Your GP has referred you for a chest x-ray. We encourage you to have your chest x-ray as soon as possible as some conditions may worsen if not treated promptly.
How to book my appointment?
We offer a walk-in service for chest x-rays in the diagnostic imaging department at Yeovil Hospital. We are open Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm. There may be a wait when attending for your chest x-ray.
What is a plain x-ray?
This is an image obtained using x-rays to help diagnose certain conditions. It is the simplest and quickest form of radiographic imaging and often is all that is required. Your appointment should take only a short time and should not be uncomfortable. The x-ray will expose you to a very small radiation dose.
How long will it take to have a chest x-ray?
A chest x-ray takes a couple of minutes to complete. On occasions when the department is busy you may have to wait a short time before undergoing your chest x-ray.
What happens after my x-ray?
Your GP will receive the result of your chest x-ray. We will aim to report your chest x-ray within one working day.
In some cases, a hospital specialist may decide that a CT scan would be helpful to provide further information regarding your chest x-ray appearances. In this situation the x-ray department will contact you to offer you a CT appointment.
What is a CT scan?
CT stands for Computed Tomography. A CT scanner uses x-rays and a computer to record a series of detailed pictures. CT gives more information about the lungs than can be seen on a chest x-ray. A colourless dye may be injected into an arm vein to help the radiologist interpret the pictures.
Further information about having a CT scan can be found here or by contacting the x-ray department on 01935 384 576.
Before the CT scan
Continue to eat and drink normally.
If you take tablets for diabetes or have any kidney problems please contact the department before you come for your appointment.
Pregnancy
Please inform clerical and radiographer staff if there is any chance you are pregnant, to avoid foetal exposure to radiation.
What happens after my CT?
Your GP will receive the result of your CT. They will contact you to discuss the results. You may be contacted by the hospital to advise you to attend an outpatient appointment. Please make every effort to attend this appointment. If you have any further questions please contact your GP.
Are x-rays and CT scans safe?
A chest x-ray is associated with a very small amount of radiation and therefore carries a very small risk. All procedures are carried out under strict control to ensure the radiation dose is as low and safe as possible. We all receive a small dose of background radiation every day from the environment.
Whilst the radiation dose given during CT is higher than for a chest x-ray, you are far more likely to benefit from this test than suffer any harm. A CT chest dose is equivalent to 1.5 years of background radiation.
Please make every effort to attend to any of the appointments mentioned above.
If you have any questions about your chest x-ray result or your CT scan appointment, please contact your GP.
