X-ray examinations: Tips to remember

3 pieces of advice for everyone

• Every radiological examination must be medically justified. Radiological examinations are not carried out on healthy people. The only exception is a mammogram, a type of early screening test for breast cancer.
• Do not demand an examination if your doctor says it is unnecessary. X-ray images aren't holiday photos: no radiation for no reason!
• Avoid needlessly repeating this type of examination. If you have recently had a medical imaging examination, tell your doctor.
  Always hold on to your images/CDs and test results.

If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant

If you are pregnant or think you might be, always tell your doctor and radiographer in order to protect your baby.

If you are breastfeeding

If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor if they prescribe a nuclear medicine examination (scintigraphy, etc.).

Nuclear medicine is the branch of medical imaging that uses radioactive products to examine the functioning and structure of organs and tissue.

Children are more sensitive than adults.

Children are more sensitive to ionising radiation than adults.

• Let your doctor know if your child has recently had an examination. Information from a previous examination can be particularly valuable.
• Do not demand a test for your child if your doctor says it is unnecessary.
• Sometimes, there will be an alternative test that does not use ionising radiation. Speak to your doctor about it.

Always keep an open dialogue with your doctor.

Good communication between all parties concerned is important.

The following questions can help you communicate more effectively with your doctor:

• Why do I need to have an examination?
• What are the pros and cons of the examination?
• How often will the examination be conducted?
• Is there an alternative treatment that does not use ionising radiation?
• Can I have this examination if I am or might be pregnant?
• Does the examination comply with the recommendations regarding medical imaging?