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 Chest x-rayDefinitionA chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm. Alternative NamesChest radiography; Serial chest x-ray; X-ray - chest How the Test is PerformedThe test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an x-ray technician. Two views are usually taken: one in which the x-rays pass through the chest from the back (posterior-anterior view), and one in which the x-rays pass through the chest from one side to the other (lateral view). You stand in front of the machine and must hold your breath when the x-ray is taken. How to Prepare for the TestInform the health care provider if you are pregnant. Chest x-rays are generally avoided during the first six months of pregnancy. You must wear a hospital gown and remove all jewelry. How the Test Will FeelThere is no discomfort. The film plate may feel cold. Why the Test is PerformedA chest x-ray may be ordered when a person's symptoms include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, a chest injury, or difficulty in breathing. The test is also used when tuberculosis, lung cancer, or other chest or lung disease is suspected. A serial chest x-ray (repeated or sequential) may be used to evaluate changes (for example, an increase in the size of an abnormality) found on a previous chest x-ray. What Abnormal Results MeanIn the lungs:
In the heart:
In the bones:
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
RisksThere is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is very low compared with the benefits. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the x-ray.
Review Date:
7/18/2007 Reviewed By: Stuart Bentley-Hibbert, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.  |
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