How long to get X-Ray results?

Ames · 10 February 2012 at 5:57PM

Hi all,

I've just had a chest x-ray and I was wondering how long it takes to get the results. They told me to see my GP in a week, but will they be in touc before that if anything shows up? If it was something important would they have mentioned it at the time?

I know I'm just being paranoid - mum died of lung cancer last year and it started out with persistent/recurrent chest infections like mine. Rationally I know that it's not going to be that, but I keep catching myself thinking 'what if...' or 'it could be...' So if I'd have been told straight away then I can put my mind at ease, or if it gets to mid week and I haven't been contacted then I can start to relax.

Although part of me hopes that something shows up that's not serious but can be dealt with so that I can get better from it all quickly. So really, there's no pleasing me either way :rotfl:

Starrystarrynight · 10 February 2012 at 8:10PM

When I've had xrays and ultrasounds, it usually takes around 3 working days for the results to come back to my GP.
You could always give your surgery a quick call to check. Hope you get a good result, OP.

pmduk · 10 February 2012 at 10:56PM

2 or 3 days to get back to the GP is pretty standard. The staff are not allowed to tell you immediately if they see a problem as they aren't usually qualified to make such a decision.

Ames · 10 February 2012 at 11:07PM

Thanks - would my GP receptionist be able to tell me if there was a problem though if I phoned up in a few days? I know when I've tried to get other results I've just been told I have to wait for a doctor to see them (even when the results have all been clear). Or does a specialist look at the X_rays and then write a letter to my GP saying what's on it? Rather than the x-ray's being sent to my GP to check?

Sorry, I'm pretty clueless about it now that I'm thinking about it.

anatomical · 11 February 2012 at 12:09AM

It can take a couple of days for it to get reported by the radiologist, then the results are sent to your GP. Usually your GP doesn't actually see the x-ray, only the findings of the radiologist. I know in my hospital the results are posted so we say wait at least 7 days to account for this. I would say just ring up and check if they have the results yet before making an appointment.

A receptionist will not be able to tell you anything about the results. They are not qualified to give you any advice or counselling if something has been found, and you may need further testing if nothing showed up. You still need to see your GP even if everything is absolutely fine as it is them who has to make the judgement everything is ok. The receptionist is not qualified to say everything is ok, as they do not have the knowledge to interpret the results.

I know it is pointless saying it, but try not to worry too much.

Ames · 11 February 2012 at 4:10AM

Oh I know I'll still have to see my GP, I just wondered if the receptionist could give me results like on a blood test - say, it was -ve for x,y,z, reading off the report.

I can't make an appointment a week in advance anyway, it'd have to be on the day, so I can check the results are in when I call.

Thanks again.

BritRael · 11 February 2012 at 5:01AM

I had my foot x-rayed at the A&E a few months ago. After the shots were taken, I hobbled back to the waiting room, and the docter called me straight in to her office. I asked how long it would take for the results after developing the film. She said we don't use film any more, it's all digital, so I'll give the results right now!

jenniewb · 11 February 2012 at 6:36AM

Wow! At my surgery it takes 2 weeks!!

I know the results are shown instantly but the rest of the wait is all down to a consultant looking through the scans and then writing a report and then sending it (not faxing, not emailing, snail mail sending) this to your GP.

I was lucky once, the scan consultant so happened to be in the room as I was having my scan (nulcear bone scan which is a little different to an Xray but I have had the same wait with xrays) I was chatting to him beforehand and he was very friendly. I asked afterwards if he could just say if he say anything. I was so lucky as about 10 mins after my scan he gave me the full conclusion including what it meant long term and how I should deal with things. I then had a further 2 week appointment with the actual consultant who asked for the scan- there was more stuff added but the actual injury was the same diagnosis.

If you can speak to anyone at the time I'd suggest it but most of the time the consultant isn't in the room/area and the nurses can't tell you anything even if they can see it because they are not qualified to do so.

It may be worth your GP chasing things up if after the estimated time you hear nothing as quite often in my experience things can take longer then they are supposed to.

pmduk · 11 February 2012 at 10:28AM

When you're x-rayed in hospital the results are seen immediately, usually by the consultant who ordered them. Like you, when I broke my wrist, the specialist had seen the xray and made her treatment decision by the time I got back to the fracture clinic

cokdeli · 20 April 2013 at 9:36AM

I've just had several xrays and my hospital said 7-10 days, however my doctors surgery informs me that it usually takes 4-6 weeks! Unless the results give indication of a terminal illness, that's how long it takes. I think it is disgraceful, with todays technology. My hospital is currently under investigation due to high mortality rates, is it any wonder?

cokdeli

flea72 · 20 April 2013 at 11:20AM

cokdeli wrote: »

I've just had several xrays and my hospital said 7-10 days, however my doctors surgery informs me that it usually takes 4-6 weeks! Unless the results give indication of a terminal illness, that's how long it takes. I think it is disgraceful, with todays technology. My hospital is currently under investigation due to high mortality rates, is it any wonder?

cokdeli

I think the OP has received their results by now, as its been over a year since they asked

How long to get X-Ray results?

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