AIBU to think that no news is good news for a chest x-ray

[Cheepcheep2020]

A close relative had a chest x-ray last Wednesday. They've still not heard anything back. Do you think it is likely no news is good news? In my experience, bad results usually come through quite quickly.

I would think they have lost it. Relative should call to followup.

Generally speaking yes.

But I think X rays also get reviewed by another person, so there's always a possibility of a problem being picked up by a different set of eyes

What were they looking for?

If the radiographer had spotted anything really obviously serious it would have been reported as urgent, so your relative would have heard something. Chest x-rays are usually reported quickly depending on the reason for referral though. For example if it is query cancer, it would be reported quickly in line with the urgent referral pathways.

It is hard to tell, but if they are worried they can always chase up with the gp/referrer.