A mobile X-ray unit is brought to the ward, critical care unit or emergency department so that patients too unwell or too unstable to be moved can still be imaged.
When it is used
- Patients in intensive care, including those on a ventilator
- Chest imaging to check the position of a tube or line
- Patients in traction or with unstable fractures
- Anyone whose condition makes transfer unsafe
Radiation safety
The dose is the same as the equivalent examination in the department. Staff and visitors are asked to step back briefly or stand behind a screen while the exposure is taken; this is routine practice, not a sign of unusual risk.
Image quality
Bedside images are technically harder than those taken in the department, because positioning is limited. Where a finding is uncertain the radiologist may recommend repeating the study in the department once you are well enough.
