En Español (Spanish Version)

by Randall B

Chest X-ray

(Chest Radiography)

Definition

A chest x-ray is an image of the heart and lungs and other structures in the chest. A small dose of radiation is used to create the image. It is one of the most common medical tests done.

Reasons for Test

Chest x-rays are done to look for abnormalities of your heart, lungs, bones, or blood vessels in your chest. Your doctor may order a chest x-ray if you have certain symptoms, such as:
  • Bad or persistent cough
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Coughing up blood
  • Chest pain
  • Chest injury
  • Fever

Possible Complications

Chest x-rays are done using a very small dose of radiation. If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor or the x-ray technician. X-rays are generally avoided during pregnancy, if possible.

What to Expect

Prior to Test

You will be asked to remove all jewelry from the waist up. You will also put on a hospital gown. A lead apron may be placed over your abdomen and pelvis. This is done to minimize the risks of radiation.

Description of Test

Pictures are usually taken from both a side view and a front view. An x-ray technician will position you according to the type of x-ray machine used. In most cases, you will stand against the x-ray machine with your hands up or to the side. You will be asked to take a deep breath and hold it while the x-ray is being taken. You will also be asked to stay as still as possible when the film is taken. You may notice that the film cartridge feels cool to your skin.

After Test

You will be able to leave after the test is done.

How Long Will It Take?

About 10-15 minutes.

Will It Hurt?

No.

Results

A specialist will look at your x-ray and send a report to your doctor. Results are generally available in 1-2 days.
An abnormal x-ray may require further testing, including:

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you have any concerns after the test.
In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES

American Heart Association http://www.heart.org

Radiology Info.org http://www.radiologyinfo.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

Radiology for Patients http://www.radiologyinfo.ca

References

Chest x-rays: sorting out problems in your chest. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chest-x-rays/MY00297. Updated May 21, 2011. Accessed on March 28, 2013.

X-ray (Radiography), Chest. Radiological Society of North America. Radiology Info website. Available at: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=chestrad&bhcp=1. Updated March 15, 2013. Accessed on March 28, 2013.

Revision Information

Health Library Search

Only show results from the selected categories.
1 Lower Leg Venography procedure

Venography is an x-ray test used to study the veins of the body. Lower leg venography is used to study the veins in the legs....

2 CT Scan of the Abdomen procedure

A CT scan is a type of x-ray. It uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the body. In this case, images of the abdomen are taken....

3 Echocardiogram procedure

An echocardiogram uses sound waves called ultrasound to look at the size, shape, and motion of the heart. The test shows: In addition to this standard test, there are s...

4 Abdominal X-ray procedure

An x-ray creates pictures of organs in the body. This type of x-ray takes a picture of organs in the abdomen....

5 Renal Ultrasound procedure

This test uses sound waves to study the renal system. The renal system includes the kidneys, bladder, and ureters (the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder)....

6 Diagnostic Ultrasound of the Abdomen procedure

An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of structure in the body. A Doppler ultrasound is a special type of ultrasound that can show blood flow in the vessels....

7 Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry procedure

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is a test that measures the density (or thickness) of your bones. The DEXA scan is an x-ray scan that uses a small amount of radi...

8 Positron Emission Tomography procedure

This test makes images that show activity in body tissues. A substance that gives off a tiny amount of radiation is put into your body. This substance goes to the part of...

9 New Dimensions in Prenatal Ultrasound: 3D and 4D lifestyle - women's health

Do you have those black and white, somewhat cryptic ultrasound photos of your little-one-to-be? Would you be interested in photos that look more like a baby? As well as i...

10 Bone Scan procedure

A bone scan is a test that detects areas of increased or decreased bone activity. These may indicate bone injury or disease. Radioactive isotopes and tracer chemicals are...

11 Doppler Ultrasound procedure

A Doppler ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to examine parts of the body. It looks at the motion of fluids in the blood vessels....

12 Venous Duplex Ultrasound procedure

An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. A venous duplex ultrasound is an ultrasound that looks at the flow of blood through the veins i...

13 Magnetic Resonance Angiography procedure

MRA is a study of the blood vessels using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Using a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer, an MRA makes two-dimensional and three-dime...

14 Computed Tomography Angiography procedure

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a specialized x-ray that examines blood flow in blood vessels when they are filled with a contrast material. Contrast material is...

16 Angiography procedure

An angiography is an x-ray exam of the blood vessels. The exam uses a chemical that is injected into the blood vessels. The chemical makes the blood vessels easier to see...

17 Peripheral Vascular Ultrasound procedure

Peripheral vascular ultrasound is a test used to evaluate the health of blood vessels. Ultrasound uses sound waves to capture images of structures inside the body. It is ...

18 PET/CT Scan procedure

PET/CT scan is a type of imaging test that combines positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) techniques. Combined PET/CT scans can be performed on ...

19 Electron-Beam Computed Tomography procedure

Electron-beam computed tomography (EBCT) is a fast and sensitive test for detecting calcium build-up in the arteries of the heart. It uses an electron gun instead of regu...

20 Transesophageal Echocardiography procedure

Echocardiography uses sound waves to make images of the heart. In transesophageal echocardiography, the ultrasound probe is passed down the throat and in to the esophagus...