Pacific Radiology belongs to the Onshore Panel Physician’s network for completing Immigration New Zealand chest x-ray examinations. Applicants for New Zealand visas are often required to undergo a chest x-ray to prove an acceptable standard of health. This is a simple and effective test to exclude communicable diseases, in particular tuberculosis.
Explain to your child that an x-ray is like a big camera taking pictures of the inside of their body, and practice staying still at home. During the procedure, a guardian can accompany the child and wear a lead apron for protection while the medical imaging technologist takes the images.
Please visit immigration.govt.nz to check if you need a chest x-ray or medical examination and find out how to plan your appointment. You cannot have an immigration chest x-ray without a referral from a doctor that is on the list of panel physicians.
X-rays are a form of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation used to create images of the inside of your body. The rays are absorbed differently by different structures depending on the density which allows radiologists to detect abnormalities.
Exposure to radiation should be avoided during pregnancy. Chest x-rays are of low radiation dose, and generally of very low risk during pregnancy. If an x-ray is really needed, this is always weighed against your individual risk and would be discussed with you before any examination.
X-rays are very safe but not recommended for pregnant individuals unless necessary.