Chest X-ray

A chest x-ray is one of the most commonly performed x-rays. It is useful to assess heart, ribs, and lungs and may indicate disease and other conditions.
There are many indications for a chest x-ray to be performed and these may include;

• The heart size,
• Pericardial effusion - fluid in between the heart and surrounding membrane,
• Pleural effusion - blood or fluid around the lung,
• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) or hemothorax (blood in the lung cavity),
• Pneumonia and other lung conditions,
• Aneurysms,
• Bone fractures,
• Tumours or cancer,
• Tuberculosis and sarcoidosis,
• Pulmonary oedema - fluid in the lungs.

Other reasons for performing a chest X-ray may include:

• Physical assessment - pre-operative assessment, pre-work assessment,
• Assess symptoms of lung conditions,
• Assess progression of disease or the effectiveness of treatment,
• Assess implant positioning - pacing wires, nasogastric tube,
• Post-operative assessment of lungs and chest cavity,
• For bone abnormalities - rib fractures,

Your doctor may have other reasons not listed above for performing a chest x-ray.

It is important to inform a member of staff as soon as possible if you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant BEFORE the test is performed. The examination may not be appropriate or special considerations or precautions might need to be taken.

You will be asked to stand (or sit if unable to stand) in front of the X-ray plate. You will be asked to take in a deep breath in and hold it until the X-ray is taken. There are usually two (2) x-rays taken during a chest x-ray. One from the front (PA) and one on the side (lateral).

To obtain an image on the side you will be asked to turn to your side and raise your arms above your head. You will be instructed to take in a deep breath in and hold it until the x-ray image is taken.

It is extremely important for you to remain still while the picture is being taken, as any movement will blur the image.

For safety reasons there cannot be anyone in the room during the x-ray and relatives must wait outside. A staff member will be behind the glass window a short distance away watching the patient at all times during the scan should there be any concerns.