An X-ray is a quick test that uses a small amount of radiation to take pictures of the inside of your body, most often to look at bones, teeth and the chest. On the NHS, X-rays are arranged by the doctor or dentist treating you. Private X-rays are offered by independent clinics and hospitals, which must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to provide them in England.
If you have been badly injured, do not wait for a private appointment. Call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency, or call NHS 111 for urgent advice.
What an X-ray is used for
The NHS describes X-rays as a test that takes pictures of the inside of your body using a small amount of radiation. They can be used to look at:
- bones, for example to check for broken bones (fractures)
- teeth, for example to check for tooth decay
- the lungs and chest, for example to check for infections
- the digestive system, for example to look for blockages or swallowed objects
Doctors can also use X-rays to guide them during some procedures. There are several types of X-ray test, including standard X-rays, bone density scans, CT scans and contrast tests such as a barium swallow. Which one you need depends on what your doctor wants to find out.
NHS or private
On the NHS
The NHS says most X-rays are done in hospitals, and dental X-rays are usually done at a dental surgery. Your X-ray will be arranged by the doctor or dentist who is looking after you, and the results go back to them or to your GP.
Privately
Some people choose a private X-ray to be seen sooner or at a time that suits them. When choosing a private provider, check:
- whether you need a referral from a doctor or another health professional, and who will receive the report
- who will read (report on) the images, and how long that takes
- what the price covers, including any follow-up appointment to discuss results
- how the results will be shared with your GP, so your NHS records stay up to date
What happens during an X-ray
Before the X-ray
Depending on the type of X-ray, you may be asked to:
- change into a hospital gown
- remove anything that has metal in it, such as jewellery, clothes with zips or poppers, bras or hair clips
- not eat or drink anything for several hours beforehand, for some types of X-ray
- take a laxative medicine the day before, for some X-rays of the digestive system
Tell the staff before the X-ray if you are pregnant or might be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding. Staff need to know so they can check the X-ray is right for you.
During the X-ray
A radiographer will position you and the X-ray machine. You will be asked to keep very still for a few seconds while 1 or more X-rays are taken. Staff usually stand behind a screen while the images are taken. The X-ray itself should only take a few minutes.
Results
You should be told when you will get your results. The NHS says this may be on the same day, or at an appointment a few weeks later. If you have not heard anything after a few weeks, contact the doctor who referred you, or your GP.
Is an X-ray safe?
The NHS says X-rays are usually very safe and serious complications are rare. If you have lots of X-rays, there is a very small risk that the radiation could cause cancer, and your doctor will take this into account when deciding whether you need one.
Some X-ray tests use a substance such as barium to make parts of the body show up more clearly. A few people have an allergic reaction to it, and staff are trained to deal with this.
How to check an X-ray provider is registered
In England, diagnostic procedures that use radiation, including X-ray, are a regulated activity. This means a clinic offering X-rays must be registered with the CQC.
CQC guidance includes a small number of exceptions, such as X-rays taken by registered chiropractors. You can search for a provider and read its latest inspection report and rating on the CQC website.
Radiographers are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). "Radiographer" is a protected title, so anyone using it must be on the HCPC Register. You can search the register by surname or registration number.
Find a clinic
Our diagnostic imaging guide lists X-ray, scanning and imaging providers by city, with CQC ratings shown where available.
Sources: NHS: X-ray | CQC: Diagnostic and screening procedures (scope of registration) | HCPC: Check the register | HCPC: Prosecution policy, protection of title.
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026. This guide is general information, not medical advice. In an emergency call 999. For urgent advice call NHS 111.