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Chest x-ray Health Article
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Reviewer Info: Stuart Bentley-Hibbert, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 07/18/2007 |
Definition
A chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.
Alternative Names
Chest radiography; Serial chest x-ray; X-ray - chest
How the test is performed
The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an x-ray technician. Two views are usually taken: one in which the x-rays pass through the chest from the back (posterior-anterior view), and one in which the x-rays pass through the chest from one side to the other (lateral view). You stand in front of the machine and must hold your breath when the x-ray is taken.
How to prepare for the test
Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant. Chest x-rays are generally avoided during the first six months of pregnancy. You must wear a hospital gown and remove all jewelry.
How the test will feel
There is no discomfort. The film plate may feel cold.
Why the test is performed
A chest x-ray may be ordered when a person's symptoms include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, a chest injury, or difficulty in breathing. The test is also used when tuberculosis, lung cancer, or other chest or lung disease is suspected. A serial chest x-ray (repeated or sequential) may be used to evaluate changes (for example, an increase in the size of an abnormality) found on a previous chest x-ray.
What abnormal results mean
In the lungs: In the heart: In the bones: Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
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