General Radiology

Chest Radiography

Chest x-ray is the most commonly performed diagnostic x-ray examination. A chest x-ray is usually done for the evaluation of lungs, heart and chest wall. Pneumonia, heart failure, emphysema, lung cancer and other medical conditions may be detected.

Chest x-ray is typically performed as the first imaging test for symptoms of shortness of breath, a bad or persistent cough, chest pain, chest injury, or fever. Individuals with known or suspected medical conditions such as congestive heart failure or cancer may have chest x-rays to follow their response to treatment, or to determine if a change in medical management is necessary.

There is no special preparation required for chest radiographs. The patient will also be asked to change into a gown, removing jewelry or any object that might obscure the chest. Women should always inform their doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. The technologist positions the patient against a film cassette and makes the X-ray exposure. The patient must hold their breath for the exposure, which is less than a second, in order to prevent the film from appearing blurry. Usually two views are obtained, one front-to back, and the other from side-to-side.