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Home , Chest radiograph

What you need to know Chest about…

The chest x-ray is the most com- breath and hold it. It’s important to mon examination. hold your breath because any move- During this procedure, an image of ment of your will blur the x-ray your and lungs is produced image. The will make when a small amount of the x-ray exposure and let you know passes through your body and is when you can exhale. recorded on special film or a com- Another radiograph will be taken puter. A chest radiograph often of the side view of your chest. Usually, is performed as part of a routine you will be asked to turn to the side, physical examination, and it also then raise your arms over your head may be performed to reveal or rule and hold them in an upright position. out conditions such as , Raise your chin again and hold your congestive , Chest radiograph. breath while the exposure is made. or other and heart conditions. The radiographer will let you know if more images are necessary. Patient Preparation the waist up, including bras, under- If you are unable to lift your arms Wear a comfortable, 2-piece outfit shirts, necklaces and other jewelry. If over your head, lift your chin or com- on the day of your chest radiograph. you have long hair and it is in a low ply with any other instructions, be sure Schedule at least 20 to 30 minutes for ponytail, the elastic band or barrette to tell the radiographer. His or her job the exam, which includes time for may have to be removed as well. is to give you the best care possible. preparation, processing the radio- If you are a woman of childbearing The radiographer then will deter- graphic images and obtaining addi- age, the radiographer will ask if there’s mine if your radiographs are technical- tional images, if necessary. The actual any possibility you are pregnant. It is ly acceptable. If they are not, you may exposure time is very short. important that you tell the radiogra- be asked to repeat the examination. Before your examination, a pher the date of your last menstrual The radiographs of your chest radiographer will explain the proce- period and if there is a chance that then will be given to a radiologist dure to you and answer any questions you are pregnant. — a physician trained to evaluate you might have. A radiographer, also medical images. known as a radiologic technologist, During the Examination is a skilled medical professional who Inside the examination room, the Postexamination has received specialized education radiographer will either hang a lead Information in anatomy, radiation protection shield behind you at waist level or After your radiographs have been and patient care. As part of his or give you a rubberized apron to tie reviewed by a radiologist, your per- her duties, the radiographer will around your waist. The thick rubber sonal physician will receive a report and determine the amount of radiation will protect your reproductive organs advise you of the results. necessary to produce a diagnostically from direct x-rays. The radiation that your are useful image. The radiographer will ask you exposed to during this examination, Prior to performing your exami- to stand in front of an x-ray unit like the radiation produced during nation, the radiographer may give positioned at chest level. You will be any other x-ray procedure, passes you a hospital gown to wear. This asked to place your hands on your through you immediately. ◆ gown has no metal snaps on it, hips, roll your shoulders forward and because metal can interfere with the lift your chin. The radiographer then accuracy of the image. It is important will ask you to take a deep breath, that you remove everything from exhale, and then take another deep

This patient education page provides general information concerning the radiologic sciences. The ASRT suggests that you consult your physician for specific information concerning your imaging exam and medical condition. Health care professionals may reproduce these pages for noncommercial educational purposes. Reproduction for other reasons is subject to ASRT approval.

Copyright © 2004 American Society of Radiologic Technologists. For more information, contact the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, 15000 Central Ave. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123-3909, or visit us online at www.asrt.org. Revised and updated 2009.