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Radiology | Counties Manukau | Te Whatu Ora
Public Service, Radiology, Pregnancy Ultrasound
X-ray
An X-ray is a high frequency, high energy wave form. It cannot be seen with the naked eye, but can be picked up on a photographic plate. Although you may think of an X-ray as a picture of bones, a trained observer can also see air spaces, like the lungs (which look black) and fluid (which looks white, but not as white as bones).
What to expect?
You will be asked to remove all metal objects from the area to be x-rayed. You will be asked to remain still in a specific position and hold your breath on command. There are staff present, they will not necessarily remain in the room, but will speak with you via an intercom system and will be viewing the procedure constantly through a windowed control room.
The examination time will vary depending on the type of examination required, but as a rule it will take around 30 minutes.
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