Chest X-Ray

What is a Chest X-Ray?  

A chest X-ray is a non-invasive  imaging test that creates a picture of the lungs, heart, blood vessels, airways, ribs and diaphragm. Your healthcare provider may order a chest X-ray if you are experiencing symptoms like a chronic cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, have a fever or shortness of breath. Chest X-rays can also help determine how well treatments are working or check for complications after surgery or procedure.  

What to Expect?  

A chest X-ray may be done in a hospital, clinic or outpatient setting. Before the test, you may be asked to remove jewelry, clothing or other metal objects that could interfere with the images. You may be asked to wear a medical gown.

Depending on the type of chest X-ray your healthcare provider orders, you may need to sit, stand or lie down while the images are taken. The technologist may ask you to change positions or move your arms so they can take pictures at different angles to get the best images. Once the technologist positions you, it is important to stay still and hold your breath because moving can blur the image.  

Understanding the Results  

The X-ray results will be reviewed by a radiologist, a doctor specially trained to read imaging tests, and the results will be shared with your healthcare provider who will review the findings and discuss them with you. A chest X-ray can provide information about the condition of your lungs and heart. Examples of a lung condition that may be seen on a chest X-ray include: 

• Pneumonia   
• Fluid in your lungs, called pulmonary edema
• COPD or emphysema  
• Lung cancer  
• Tuberculosis  
• Scarring of the lung tissue, including pulmonary fibrosis  
• Sarcoidosis  

Chest X-rays may also help identify certain heart conditions, hernias and fractures.  

What are the Risks?  

You may have concerns about radiation exposure. Chest X-rays use a very small amount of radiation. If you have questions about the test or radiation exposure, talk with your healthcare provider before the test. 

A chest X-ray is not painful. However, if you recently had surgery or an injury, you may have discomfort from moving into different positions. Let the technologist know if you are having any pain. It is also important to tell the technologist taking the X-ray if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.