Radiology is an important adjunct to clinical practice, but for many clinicians, requesting X-rays was something that was learnt on the job. This article provides guidelines on when and how to request X-rays for acute conditions such as head and cervical spine trauma, suspected rib and extremity fractures, low back pain and acute abdominal pain. We also highlight what to write in the request form, in order to obtain maximum value from the examination and allow the radiologist to generate a useful, accurate report.
Ankle Injuries ; diagnostic imaging ; Cervical Vertebrae ; diagnostic imaging ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; standards ; Fractures, Bone ; diagnostic imaging ; Health Care Costs ; Hospitals ; Humans ; Medical Errors ; prevention & control ; Neck Pain ; diagnostic imaging ; Radiology ; methods ; organization & administration ; standards ; Spinal Injuries ; diagnostic imaging ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; X-Rays