You may be asked to change into a gown before your examination, but wearing light clothing which is free of zips and buttons can often be x-rayed through.

You will also be asked to remove jewelry, glasses, and any metal objects that could obscure the images, since those show up on x-ray.

Women should always inform their doctor or the medical imaging technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.

The technologist (also known as the 'radiographer') positions the patient, places a flat image plate under the table or directly under the area of the body to be imaged. Depending on the body site, imaging can be performed standing, sitting or lying down.

The technologist goes to a small adjacent room and asks the patient to hold very still without breathing for a few seconds.

The radiographic equipment is activated, sending a beam of x-rays through the body to expose the digital image plate. The technologist then repositions the patient for another view, and the process is repeated. When the x-rays are completed you will be asked to wait a short time until the technologist reviews the images to determine if more are needed.

In most cases, x-ray imaging is painless. Sometimes, to get a clear image of an injury such as a possible fracture, you may be asked to hold an uncomfortable position for a short time. Any movement could blur the image and make it necessary to repeat the procedure to get a useful, clear picture.

Usually, an x-ray examination takes less than 15 minutes.

A radiologist, who is a specialist doctor experienced in bone x-ray and other radiology examinations, will analyse the images and send a written report with his or her interpretation to the patient's referring doctor.