Radiology

Radiography is performed using an X-ray machine. It produces images of different parts of the body from several angles. It is useful for visualising bones (to check for fractures, osteoarthritis, etc.) as well as the chest (for the lungs) and abdomen. On an X-ray, bones appear white, soft tissues appear grey, and air appears black.

Yes, metal objects on your skin or clothing can affect the image. They must therefore be removed, depending on the part of the body being X-rayed.

X-rays do not hurt. The position requested by the physiotherapist may sometimes be painful depending on your condition, but it should not be held for long. Good communication between the physiotherapist and the patient is therefore essential.

The room is equipped with a table (for examinations performed lying down) and a wall-mounted stand (for examinations performed standing up), as well as an X-ray tube. A plate (detector) receives the X-rays and displays an image on the computer.

No, none.

Aucun, les doses de radiation délivrées pour une radiographie sont faibles. Les nouvelles études démontrent que le tablier de protection n’apporte pas de réelle effet bénéfique. La protection du patient est assurée grâce aux paramètres de la machine.None, as the radiation doses delivered for an X-ray are low. Recent studies show that protective aprons do not offer any real benefits. Patient protection is ensured by the machine settings.

The risk can be considered negligible if the foetus is not located in the area to be X-rayed. If the foetus is located in the area to be examined, dose calculations will be performed by the radiographer in order to accurately determine the dose to be administered so as not to endanger the foetus.

Under no circumstances can an X-ray make you infertile. The dose required to cause permanent infertility is not within the scope of conventional radiology.

No, everyone is constantly exposed to cosmic and terrestrial radiation similar to the X-rays used in radiography. Depending on the type of radiological examination, this may be comparable to a stay in the mountains or a flight in an aeroplane.

The X-ray is justified for your child, not for you. The law requires that every radiological examination be subject to the principle of justification. The X-ray is prescribed for your child, so you are not allowed to be present without a protective apron.

Yes, at the end of the examination, you will be given a card with access to the images. This card contains a QR code that gives you access to your radiology file. Each time you have an examination at one of our centres, your X-rays will be added to your file. You can then send them to your doctors, paediatricians or other specialists. The link is active for 180 days but can be reactivated on request by emailing: radioloige@vidymed.ch. 

No, radiographers are not authorised to give you the results. The emergency doctor or your doctor will give you their diagnosis based on their clinical observations. A radiology report will also be produced during the day by the CID in Lausanne.

To reassure children, this tube can be paired with a large camera. Furthermore, the examination is completely painless. Finally, a dedicated children's room with a suitable environment and warm décor is available at the Vidy Medical Centre.