X-ray images are used to diagnose injury and pathology of the skull, face, spine, bony thorax and upper and lower limbs. They are also used in conjunction with other modalities, e.g. ultrasound renal calculi.
Examinations that are not justified under the “right test, right time, right place” combined Royal College of Radiologists and Royal College of General Practitioners guidelines will be rejected and notification sent back to the GP.
Common rejections include requests for calcaneal spur or plantar fasciitis, Coccyx, ribs without associated respiratory symptoms and skulls.
Attending X-Ray following GP referral
Glenfield Hospital, Leicester General Hospital and Leicester Royal Infirmary provide an appointment-only system for GP x-ray referrals and an invitation letter will be sent to you by the x-ray appointments team.
This applies to all x-ray referrals except GP-referred chest x-rays which are accommodated at the Glenfield Hospital only. These are the only examinations that are permitted drop-in access, limited to the following hours only:
- Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays)
- 8:30am to 4:30pm
Paediatric referrals and minor trauma
Children (up to the age of 17 years) and adults who have had minor trauma to the limbs, can be referred directly for x-ray at Leicester Royal Infirmary, limited to the following hours only:
- Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays)
- 8.30am to 4.30pm
Minor trauma occurring up to 3 weeks ago.
Imaging does not accept referrals for patients brought in by emergency ambulance crews or for trauma to the skull, face, chest or spine.