X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation used as a diagnosing tool. They are the most common tests done in Medical Imaging. An image is produced when a detector senses X-rays as they pass through the part of the body being imaged.
Important notice: Change to patient lead shielding during diagnostic X-rays
Effective February 2, 2026, LHSC and St. Joseph’s Health Care London have discontinued the use of patient lead shields during diagnostic X-rays. This change reflects current scientific evidence, modern imaging technology and aligns our practices with hospitals across Canada and around the world.
In the past, lead shielding was standard practice to protect reproductive organs and other internal structures during imaging. However, updated research and modern equipment design now confirm that this practice is no longer necessary, and in some situations can interfere with safe, accurate imaging.
This change follows the recommendations of the Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists, Canadian Association of Radiologists, Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists, and American Association of Physicists in Medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are you stopping the use of lead shields during X-rays?
Based on improvements in imaging technology and scientific evidence, LHSC in concert with St. Joseph’s is discontinuing the use of lead shields for patients during diagnostic X-rays, bringing us in line with other hospitals around the world.
2. I thought shielding protected important organs. Why is it no longer needed?
Lead shielding was introduced in the 1950s when our understanding of radiation and technology was limited. There has been no scientific evidence that low levels of radiation can lead to genetic changes that can be passed on to future children or lead to birth defects. Reproductive organs are far less sensitive to radiation than previously thought.
3. How much radiation do today's X-ray machines use?
Today, diagnostic X-rays use about 95 per cent less radiation than when shielding was first introduced. The amount of radiation used in most imaging exams is extremely low - often no greater than the natural background radiation we experience in daily life.
4. Is it safe to have an X-ray without a shield?
Yes. This change ensures the safest, most accurate imaging possible based on individual patient needs. Lead shields can block important anatomy, interfere with image quality, or cause X-ray equipment to use more radiation than necessary.
5. I’m pregnant, should I be concerned about this change?
There has been no scientific evidence that low levels of radiation can lead to genetic changes that can be passed on to future children or lead to birth defects. Reproductive organs are far less sensitive to radiation than previously thought. If you have any concerns, please discuss these with your technologist or care team.
6. Why do staff or others in the room still wear protective shields?
This change applies only to patients. An imaging requisition is a type of prescription. All individuals present in the procedure room, other than the patient, who are not receiving clinical benefits from the imaging exam must wear protective shielding. Those in the room require shielding to protect them from scatter radiation that is coming from the patient, but shielding is ineffective in protecting the patient from internal scatter radiation.
7. How do you make sure radiation is kept as low as possible?
LHSC follows the “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” (ALARA) principle, ensuring radiation exposure is minimized in every exam.
8. Who can I talk to if I still have questions or concerns?
If you have questions, please speak with your technologist or care team. They can explain how the exam works and how we keep your radiation exposure as low as possible.
How to book an appointment
General X-ray does not need a booking. Allow time for waiting as the general X-ray department runs on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fluoroscopy and Gastric procedures need to have a booking. Notification will go to your requesting doctor regarding any preparations needed for your test.
LHSC now offers Bone Mineral Density scanning a new Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). Bookings are made by a requesting doctor.
Diabetic devices
Diabetic management devices including glucose sensors, transmitters, receivers and insulin pumps can be damaged by radiation and magnetic fields. Glucose sensors, transmitters, receivers or insulin pumps must be removed immediately prior to your test. Insulin pumps may be restarted following the test. Glucose sensors cannot be reinserted – you must use a new sensor following the test. If you would prefer to reschedule your test, please let us know. For any questions regarding your device, please contact the manufacturer of your device.
What can I expect?
General X-ray
Is a flat picture or still image using an X-ray camera, including bones, joints, chest, abdomen and spines.
- Any metal in the area being imaged will impact the quality of the picture. For this reason, you may be asked to change into hospital clothing.
- A technologist may have you stand or lay on the X-ray table to obtain your images. The technologist will ask you to move or assist with placing you in specific position to obtain a standardized image.
Fluoroscopy/Gastrics area - Victoria Hospital only for outpatients
Fluoroscopy is real-time imaging that uses a “video camera” of x-rays, including upper gastro-intestinal studies and various barium studies. We commonly use fluoroscopy to look at dynamic functions using contrast to highlight internal soft tissues not typically visualized.
Bone Mineral Density - Victoria Hospital
Bone Mineral Density (BMD) imaging is essential for accurately diagnosing osteoporosis and assessing fracture risk. BMD testing measures the density of minerals, such as calcium, in bones, providing critical information about bone strength and the likelihood of fractures.
Is it your child coming for a test?
The Medical Imaging Child Life Program strives to meet the psychosocial and emotional needs of children and youth throughout their health care journeys. They help them adjust to and understand hospitalization, medical procedures, illness and injury. In X-ray they are most commonly involved with procedures such as Voiding Cystograms.
How to find X-ray:
Directions to Radiology (X-ray) at University Hospital
- Enter through the main entrance at the front of the hospital.
- Take the main elevators to the second floor and follow the Radiology construction signs to check in at Radiology, Computed Tomography (CT), Ultrasound temporary Reception.
Hours of operation and phone number for Outpatient X-ray at University Hospital are:
- Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. (7:30) to 4:00 p.m. (16:00)
- Contact by telephone: 519-685-8500 extension. 35741
Directions to Adult Radiology (X-ray) at Victoria Hospital
- The most direct route is to park in Parking lot P1 off Commissioners Road and enter the hospital through the C entrance. You are now on Level 2.
Follow the signs to Radiology Reception room C2-100. Check in at Level 2 outpatient Radiology.
Hours of operation and phone number for Adult Outpatient X-ray at Victoria Hospital are:
- Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. (7:00) to 4:00 p.m. (16:00)
- Contact by telephone: 519-685-8500 extension. 52597
Directions to Children’s Radiology (X-ray) at Victoria Hospital
- Children, 17 years and under, report to the Ultrasound and Children’s X-ray Reception area on Level 1.
- Enter through building D either under or through the glass walkway off Commissioners Road.
- Through walkway, go straight to the elevators in front of the cafeteria. Take elevators to Level 1 and follow signs to Ultrasound and Children’s X-ray.
- Under walkway, as you come through the entrance there is a hallway slightly to your left. Follow it to the elevators and go down to Level 1. Follow the signs to Ultrasound and Children’s X-ray.
Hours of operation and phone number for Children's X-ray at Victoria Hospital are:
- Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. (8:00) to 3:30 p.m. (15:30)
- Contact by telephone: 519-685-8500 extension 58296
How to access my X-ray images
You can request access to your X-ray images on the Pocket Health website.
London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) offers patients and their families access to their medical images online. Once patients enroll for access, they can view all of their medical images that are stored in LHSC’s system, share imaging instantly with others of their choice, or even burn their own compact disc (CD) or USB from home. There are two fee options available that are payable to PocketHealth beginning at the time of enrolment which includes permanent access to all previous imaging as well as any new exams. To find out more and enroll, please visit the PocketHealth website.
