X-Ray

X-ray imaging is a fast, accessible way to diagnose fractures, injuries, joint concerns and other medical conditions.

At Canopy Imaging, our modern digital X-ray technology delivers high-quality images using low levels of radiation, helping your healthcare team make informed decisions about your care.

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What is an X-ray?

An X-ray is one of the quickest imaging tests available. The actual X-ray exposure usually takes just a few seconds, and most patients are in and out of a Canopy Imaging clinic within 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the body part being examined and whether multiple images are needed.

Canopy Imaging uses advanced AI fracture detection technology to support image review and help identify potential fractures quickly and accurately.

Most X-ray appointments take 15-30 minutes
The X-ray itself only take a few minutes
Walk-in X-ray services are available at most clinics with a referrer (from any provider)
Results are sent to your referrer after they have been reviewed by a radiologist

Find your nearest Canopy Imaging clinic in New Zealand and book your appointment today.

What can an X-ray diagnose?

X-rays can be used to diagnose a number of issues and injuries including:

Broken bones and fractures
Joint injuries
Arthritis
Chest infections
Pneumonia
Lung conditions
Some abdominal conditions
Foreign objects
Monitoring healing after injury

Why choose Canopy Imaging?

Canopy Imaging is a leading radiology and diagnostic imaging provider in New Zealand focused on patient care and quality medical outcomes.

Experienced radiologists and radiographers
Modern digital X-ray technology
AI fracture detection support
ACC accepted
Multiple North Island locations
Walk-in availability at many clinics
Fast reporting to your healthcare provider

AI fracture detection for X-ray

At Canopy Imaging, we combine medical technology with experienced clinical care to ensure you receive the most accurate diagnosis possible. Our digital X-ray services are integrated with advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) fracture detection tools, acting as a rapid, expert second reader for our medical radiation technologists (MRTs) and specialist radiologists.

How AI-Assisted X-Ray Benefits You:

Enhanced Diagnostic Precision: AI deep-learning algorithms analyze digital X-rays instantly, highlighting subtle hair-line fractures, complex joint injuries, or hard-to-spot bone disruptions that might otherwise be masked by overlapping tissue.
Faster Turnaround Times: By pre-screening images immediately as they are captured, AI prioritizes urgent or positive fracture cases, helping your referring doctor receive an interpreted report faster.
Increased Clinical Confidence: The AI system acts as a reliable decision-support layer. Every image is independently reviewed and verified by a specialist radiologist, ensuring dual-layered accuracy for your care.

Note: AI technology serves purely as an assistive tool to support clinical accuracy. All final diagnostic reports and medical evaluations are completed by our accredited radiologists.

Immigration Chest X-ray

Canopy Imaging offers Chest Immigration X-rays

How much radiation is used in these exams?

Every day we are exposed to radiation from soil, rocks, building materials, water and cosmic radiation. This is commonly referred to as ‘background radiation’.

People living at higher altitudes will be exposed to more cosmic radiation than people living at sea level.

We can compare the amount of radiation we receive through an X-ray examination by measuring the dose affecting the patient and comparing this with the background radiation we are exposed to every day.

Different parts of the body have varying sensitivity to radiation dose so the term ‘effective dose’ looks at the dose averaged over the whole body.

Is an X-Ray safe?

Yes. X-rays use a small amount of ionising radiation and are considered a safe and valuable diagnostic tool when clinically appropriate. The amount of radiation used depends on the type of X-ray being performed, but modern digital X-ray equipment uses significantly lower radiation doses than older film-based systems.

For example, a standard chest X-ray exposes you to a radiation dose roughly equivalent to just a few days of natural background radiation in New Zealand. While any exposure to ionising radiation carries a very small risk, the benefit of accurately diagnosing or ruling out a medical condition will usually far outweigh that risk.

At Canopy Imaging, all referrals are reviewed for appropriateness, and our radiologists and medical imaging technologists are trained to use the lowest radiation dose necessary to achieve high-quality diagnostic images.

If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, please let our team know before your examination so we can discuss the best approach for your care.

Before your X-rayMost Canopy Imaging locations offer walk-in X-ray services, so an appointment is often not required. Just bring your referral form with you. If you would prefer to book ahead, please contact your nearest clinic.

Before your examination, we may discuss:

Whether you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
The most convenient clinic location for you, and how to get there including parking and local services
What to expect during your examination
ACC, insurance or payment related questions
What happens after your X-ray

If you are unable to attend your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible.

When you arrive

On arrival, you may be asked to complete a questionnaire or consent form. A member of our team will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have.

Depending on the area being examined, you may be asked to change into a gown and remove items such as jewellery, watches, hearing aids or other metal objects that could affect the quality of the images.

During your X-ray

Your examination will be performed by a qualified Medical Imaging Technologist (MIT) or Radiographer.

The technologist will position you carefully and explain each step of the examination. Depending on the body part being imaged, you may be asked to stand, sit or lie down. Several images may be taken from different angles.

It is important to remain as still as possible while the images are being captured. The X-ray itself usually takes only a few seconds, although your appointment will typically take 15 to 30 minutes from start to finish.

FAQs

The X-ray itself usually takes only a few minutes. Most patients are in and out of the clinic within 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the area being examined and whether multiple images are required.

Some Canopy Imaging locations offer walk-in X-ray services, while others may require an appointment. We recommend checking with your nearest clinic before you attend. You can find your nearest location here.

No. X-rays are painless. You may be asked to move into certain positions or hold still briefly while the images are taken, which can be uncomfortable, especially if you have an injury, but the X-ray itself does not hurt.

Yes. X-rays use a small amount of ionising radiation and are considered a safe and valuable diagnostic tool when clinically appropriate. Modern digital X-ray equipment uses lower radiation doses than older systems, and all examinations are performed using the lowest dose necessary to obtain high-quality diagnostic images.

For example, a standard chest X-ray delivers a radiation dose roughly equivalent to a few days of natural background radiation in New Zealand.

If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, please let us know before your examination. In many cases, alternative imaging options may be considered, or special precautions can be taken.

Your healthcare provider and radiologist will help determine the most appropriate examination for your circumstances.

Comfortable clothing is recommended. Depending on the area being examined, you may be asked to change into a gown or remove items such as jewellery, watches, belts, underwire bras, footwear or clothing containing metal, as these can affect image quality.

Your images will be reviewed by a radiologist, who will prepare a report for your referring healthcare provider. In most cases, reports are available within a few days, although urgent examinations may be prioritised. Your doctor will discuss the results with you.

X-ray examinations require a referral from a healthcare professional such as a GP, physiotherapist, nurse practitioner, or specialist.

Yes. X-rays are commonly performed on children when clinically required. Our team is experienced in paediatric imaging and will work to make the examination as comfortable and reassuring as possible for both you and your child. A parent or caregiver is usually welcome to accompany their child during the appointment.

Both X-rays and CT scans use ionising radiation to create images of the body.

An X-ray produces a single image and is commonly used to assess bones, joints and the chest.
A CT scan takes multiple images from different angles and combines them to create detailed cross-sectional views of the body's internal structures. CT scans provide more detail but generally involve a higher radiation dose than a standard X-ray.

The electromagnetic spectrum includes X-rays, radiowaves, microwaves and visible light. X-rays have an extremely short wavelength, or high frequency, making them high energy. This means they can penetrate most materials. X-rays are used in medicine to examine the body ‘structure’. They are most useful for bones in the body but also show some soft tissue detail as well.

No. AI does not replace human medical professionals. At Canopy Imaging, AI software acts strictly as a diagnostic support tool. Every X-ray image and AI analysis is thoroughly reviewed and signed off by a qualified radiologist before the final report is sent to your doctor.

X-ray imaging uses a low dose of radiation to create detailed images of bones, joints and some internal structures, helping doctors diagnose fractures, injuries and a range of medical conditions.

X-Ray

What is an X-ray?