Chest x-ray

You stand in front of the x-ray machine. You will be told to hold your breath when the x-ray is taken. Two images are usually taken. You will first need to stand facing the machine, and then sideways.

Tell the health care provider if you are pregnant. Chest x-rays are generally not done during pregnancy, and special precautions are taken if they are needed.

There is no discomfort. The imaging plate may feel cold.

Your provider may order a chest x-ray if you have any of the following symptoms: A persistent cough Chest pain from a chest injury (with a possible rib fracture or lung complication) or from heart problems Coughing up blood Difficulty breathing Fever It may also be done if you have signs of tuberculosis , lung cancer…

Abnormal results may be due to many things, including: In the lungs: Collapsed lung Collection of fluid around the lung Lung tumor (noncancerous or cancerous) Malformation of the blood vessels Pneumonia Scarring of lung tissue Tuberculosis Atelectasis In the heart: Problems with the size, position or shape of the…

There 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 benefits outweigh the risks. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of x-rays.

Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Chest radiography (chest x-ray, CXR) - diagnostic norm. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures . 6th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:327-328. Felker GM, Teerlink JR. Diagnosis and management of acute heart failure. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL,…