General Radiology

Radiography is the imaging of body structures using x-rays. X-ray examinations are fast. Most procedures are quicker than 15 minutes.

The image is created because the x-ray beam is absorbed differently by different parts of the body. Bone absorbs a high percentage of the beam and has a white appearance on the image, whilst low density structures such as soft tissue absorb a small percentage, which results in different shades of grey. The body has many different structures of varying densities and these differences create an image.

How to access this service

A referral letter or request form is required from your doctor prior to any X-ray. Plain X-rays can be done at any time during business hours Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5pm. The more complex studies require a booking to be made. Your doctor will indicate to you if a booking is required. If you are not sure, please phone the booking staff on (08) 8161 6055.

Please bring with you the form from your doctor and any X-rays you have had previously.

Some of our studies require special preparation. Instructions will be given at the time the appointment is made. If these instructions are not followed it may not be possible to carry out the study and a new time will need to be booked, so please be sure to follow instructions carefully.

Hours

Plain X-rays are available on Monday – Friday between 8.30am and 5pm.
Outside of this time an X-ray service is provided for inpatient and emergency care. If your child requires an X-ray out of hours, please report to the Paediatric Emergency Department for assessment.

Location

Level 2, Rogerson Building

Further information

About the examination

Important: You must bring the the x-ray request form, as this is a legal document and no examination can be performed without it.
Please note: If the x-ray request is filled out incorrectly we may have to obtain a new form that is correctly filled out.
A radiographer may ask any patient between the age of 12 -55 if there is a chance of pregnancy.
Patients may be asked to change into a hospital gown and/or remove certain items of jewellery as these items can interfere with the quality of the image.
A radiographer will explain the procedure and prepare the patient accordingly. Depending on the body part being examined the child may be sitting or standing. It is important the child is completely still when the image is taken or the image may be blurred (small children may need to be held still).
Please remember – you are welcome to ask questions about the process if you have any concerns.
It is preferable to have 1 adult accompany the child for the procedure. Other children will not be allowed into the procedure room; an adult must accompany them and stay with them in the waiting area.