Chest X-Ray
What is a chest x-ray?
A chest x-ray is a radiology test that involves exposing
the chest briefly to radiation to produce an image of
the chest and the internal organs of the chest. An x-ray film is positioned
against the body opposite the camera, which sends out a very small dose of a
radiation beam. As the radiation penetrates the body, it is absorbed in varying
amounts by different body tissues. Bones, for example, absorb much of the x-ray
radiation while lung tissue absorbs very little, allowing most of the x-ray beam
to pass through the lung. Due to the differences in their composition (and,
therefore, varying degrees of penetration of the x-ray beam), the lungs, heart,
aorta, and bones of the chest
each can be distinctly visualized. The x-ray film records these differences to produce
an image of body tissue structures.
A chest x-ray can be used to define abnormalities
of the lungs such as excessive fluid, pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma,
cysts, and cancers. Heart abnormalities, including fluid around
the heart (pericardial effusion), an enlarged heart, heart failure, or abnormal anatomy
of the heart can be revealed on the films. Certain bony structures of the chest,
and broken bones or abnormalities of the bones of the spine (vertebrae) in the chest can often be
seen. A chest x-ray is a safe procedure which is commonly used
both in annual physical exams and evaluations of patients before
certain surgical operations.
How is the procedure performed?
Patients obtaining a chest x-ray will often be requested to use an x-ray gown, and extra
metallic objects such as jewelry are removed from the chest and/or neck areas.
These objects can block x-ray penetration, making the result less accurate.
Patients may be asked to take a deep breath and hold it during the chest x-ray
in order to inflate the lungs to their maximum, which increases the visibility
of different tissues within the chest. The chest x-ray procedure often involves
a view from the back to the front of the body as well as a view from the side.
Occasionally, different angles are added in order for the radiologist to interpret certain
specific areas of the chest. The radiology technologist is a trained,
certified assistant to the radiologist who will help the patient
during the x-ray and actually perform the x-ray test. After the
chest x-ray is taken and recorded on the x-ray film, the film
is placed into a developing machine, and this picture (which is
essentially a photographic negative) is examined and interpreted
by the radiologist.
What are the risks of a chest x-ray?
Chest x-rays expose the patient briefly to a minimum amount of radiation. Any
radiation exposure has some risk to the tissues of the body. The radiation
exposure in a chest x-ray is minimized by the type of x-ray high-speed film,
which does not require as much radiation exposure as in the past. The radiology
technician is guided by technique standards which have been established by
national and international guidelines. These guidelines are designed and
reviewed by both the Department of Health and Human Services and national and
international radiology protection councils. Women who are pregnant, especially
in early pregnancy, should notify their physicians, as the fetus is at risk for harm with
any radiology technique.
How does the patient obtain the results of
the x-ray?
A radiologist is a physician specialist trained to interpret images of the body
produced on film. After the radiologist reviews the chest x-ray, occasionally
further images or angles are necessary and obtained. Once all the films have
been reviewed by the radiologist, a report is generated which is transmitted to
the ordering practitioner. The practitioner then can review the results of the
chest x-ray with the patient as it relates to their particular symptoms or
condition.
Next: Chest X-Ray At A Glance »
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