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Chest X-Ray

(continued)

How It Is Done

A chest X-ray is taken by a radiology technologist. The pictures are usually read by a radiologist, who writes the report. Other types of doctors, such as a family medicine doctor, internist, or surgeon, also may review chest X-rays.

You will need to take off jewelry that might be in the way of the X-ray picture. You may need to take off all or most of your clothes above the waist (you may be allowed to keep on your underwear if it does not get in the way of the test). You will be given a gown to wear during the test.

Two X-ray views of the chest are usually taken. One view is taken from the back; the other view is taken from the side of the body. But other views may be needed, depending on what your doctor is looking for. In an emergency, only one picture may be taken, usually from the front.

You usually stand with your front against an X-ray plate for the pictures. If you need to sit or lie down, someone will help you get into the correct position.

You will need to hold very still during the X-ray to prevent blurring of the picture. You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds while the X-ray picture is taken.

Most hospitals and some clinics have portable X-ray machines. If a chest X-ray is done with a portable X-ray machine at your bedside in a hospital, an X-ray technologist and nurse will help you move into the correct position. Usually only one picture from the front is taken.

How It Feels

You will not feel pain during a chest X-ray. The X-ray plate may feel hard, and the room may be cool. If you have pain from your chest problem, you may feel some discomfort if you need to hold a certain position, breathe deep, or hold your breath while the X-ray is done.

Risks

There is always a slight chance of damage to cells or tissue from radiation, including the low levels of radiation used for this test. But the chance of damage from the X-rays is usually very low compared with the benefits of the test.

Results

A chest X-ray is a picture of the chest to see your heart , lungs , airway, blood vessels, and lymph nodes. A chest X-ray also shows the bones of your chest, including your breastbone , ribs , collarbone , and the upper part of your spine . A chest X-ray is the most common imaging test used to find problems inside the chest.

In an emergency, the results of a chest X-ray can be available within a few minutes for review by your doctor. If it is not an emergency, results are usually ready in 1 or 2 days.

**Chest X-ray**
Normal:	The lungs look normal in size and shape, and the lung tissue looks normal. No growths or other masses can be seen within the lungs. The pleural spaces (the spaces surrounding the lungs) also look normal. See a normal chest X-ray .
	The heart looks normal in size, shape, and the heart tissue looks normal. The blood vessels leading to and from the heart also are normal in size, shape, and appearance.
	The bones including the spine and ribs look normal.
	The diaphragm looks normal in shape and location.
	No abnormal collection of fluid or air is seen, and no foreign objects are seen.
	All tubes, catheters, or other medical devices are in their correct positions in the chest.
Abnormal:	An infection, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis, is present.
	Problems such as a tumor, injury, or a condition such as edema from heart failure may be seen. In some cases, more X-rays or other tests may be needed to see the problem clearly.
	A problem such as an enlarged heart-which could be caused by heart damage, heart valve disease, or fluid around the heart-is seen. Or a problem of the blood vessels, such as an enlarged aorta, an aneurysm, or hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), is seen.
	Fluid is seen in the lungs (pulmonary edema) or around the lungs (pleural effusion), or air is seen in the spaces around a lung (pneumothorax).
	Broken bones (fractures) are seen in the rib cage, collarbone, shoulder, or spine.
	Enlarged lymph nodes are seen.
	A foreign object is seen in the esophagus, breathing tubes, or lungs.
	A tube, catheter, or other medical device looks like it has moved out of the correct position.

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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 13, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.