X-rays are special particles, that form part of the normal electromagnetic spectrum, and is used in medical imaging to produce digital images that the Radiologist can interpret. These x-ray particles interact with the tissues in your body – with some passing through, others that scatter and still others that gets absorbed within your body itself.

It is produced by a special x-ray machine – that is operated by a qualified Radiographer.

No. X-rays differ in speed/”strength” and in dose/”amount”. Different X-rays show different behaviour patterns – some x-rays are “stronger” meaning that they can penetrate tissues more effectively (especially bone), while others are “softer” so they can penetrate fatty tissues, lung and muscle – the strength/speed of an x-ray particle is expressed in keV (Kilo electron volts) – and the absorbed dose/amount (those x-rays that is absorbed within the soft tissues) is expressed as mSv (milli Sieverts)

All Radiological practices in South Africa, prescribe to a set of guidelines as put out by the Department of Health (DoH), under its directorate: Radiation Control (DRC). These guidelines enforces strict rules and regulations as to the amount of radiation that is safe in general x-ray procedures and falls well below the limit of long term cancerous side effects. Furthermore, the Minister of Health and Director General: National Health and Population development are mandated to administer the Hazardous Substances Act of 1973, by granting, suspending or revoking licences to importers, manufacturers and users of electromedical products.

No. Special lower dose x-ray exposures are specifically formulated for paediatric patients as they are younger and potentially have a longer life expectancy than adult patients. The ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable), RSSA/SASPI Paediatric guidelines and Image Gently campaigns have ensured lower dose x-ray exposures and standardized pediatric protocols that are strictly adhered to in our practice.

A mammogram is a special x-ray, that is specifically designed to penetrate through breast tissue. It is especially useful in identifying early breast carcinomas and is used from the age of 40 years as a diagnostic screening instrument.

The effective radiation dose is 0.4 mSv – this correlates to approximately 7 weeks of background radiation exposure from the environment (Sun). Although feared, these annual exposures doesn’t significantly increase the risk of developing breast cancer. In woman with a strong family history of breast carcinoma, annual screening may even commence as young as 30 yrs of age – these are case based and the Radiologist will decide what imaging investigation will be the best and discuss it with the patient and referring clinician.

Pregnancy is a very special time in any womans’ life. If you suspect or know that you are pregnant – it is imperative that you tell your referring clinician or attending radiographer this prior to the x-ray procedure being done. The importance of the x-ray vs the health of the mother and developing child is always important to us, when making the decision to do an x-ray procedure or not. The radiographer will discuss the case with the Radiologist and together with the patient and referring clinician (your doctor) – a case based assessment will be made and decision taken. Shielding off (with lead shielding) of the abdomen could be done if the decision is made to continue with the x-ray procedure and only one view (instead of two standard views) may be done – depending on the procedure.

No, X-ray particles are not radio-active – meaning that they do not continue their radiation once the exposure (x-ray photo) is done and the x-ray machine is not in use. However, please inform our staff if you had a nuclear medicine procedure prior to your x-ray (bone or thyroid scintigram etc) as you may still have the injected radio-active particles in your bloodstream.

No, the x-ray procedure itself doesn’t specifically require you to take special precautions. If such precautions are warranted (e.g. CT examinations), the radiography personnel will inform you well prior to your imaging investigation as to how you must prepare (bowel preparation, oral contrast solution etc)

In this instance, the radiographer will give you the appropriate lead shielding (apron, thyroid shield etc) to prevent unnecessary radiation to you. This is standard protocol in our practice.

Yes, you can safely sit outside the x-ray room. All of the x-ray rooms have been specially designed to absorb the scattered x-ray particles so that none penetrate through the door/outside waiting area