Chest X-Ray: Purpose, Procedure, And Risks - Healthline

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HealthlineSubscribeSleepWhat Is a Chest X-Ray?

Medically reviewed by Darragh O'Carroll, MD — Written by Brian Krans — Updated on February 16, 2024

Purpose
Preparation
Procedure
Complications
Follow-up
FAQ

An X-ray is an imaging test that uses small amounts of radiation to produce pictures of the organs, tissues, and bones of the body. When focused on the chest, it can help spot abnormalities or diseases of the airways, blood vessels, bones, heart, and lungs. Chest X-rays can also determine if you have fluid in your lungs, or fluid or air surrounding your lungs.

Your doctor could order a chest X-ray for a variety of reasons, including to assess injuries resulting from an accident or to monitor the progression of a disease, such as cystic fibrosis. You might also need a chest X-ray if you go to the emergency room with chest pain or if you’ve been involved in an accident that included force to your chest area.

A chest X-ray is an easy, quick, and effective test that has been useful for decades to help doctors view some of your most vital organs.

Why do I need a chest X-ray?

Your doctor may order a chest X-ray if they suspect that your symptoms have a connection to problems in your chest. Suspicious symptoms may include:

chest pain
fever
persistent cough
shortness of breath

These symptoms could be the result of the following conditions, which a chest X-ray can detect:

broken ribs
emphysema (a long-term, progressive lung condition that causes breathing difficulties)
heart failure
lung cancer
pneumonia
pneumothorax (a collection of air in the space between your lungs and your chest wall)

Another use for a chest X-ray is to see the size and shape of your heart. Abnormalities in the size and shape of your heart can indicate issues with heart function.

Doctors sometimes use chest X-rays to monitor your progress after surgery to the chest area. Doctors can check to see that any implanted materials are in the right place, and they can make sure you’re not experiencing any air leaks or fluid buildup.

Callout: How do X-rays help diagnose COPD? »

How do I prepare for a chest X-ray?

Chest X-rays require very little preparation on the part of the person getting it.

You will need to remove any jewelry, eyeglasses, body piercings, or other metal on your person. Tell your doctor if you have a surgically implanted device, such as a heart valve or pacemaker. Your doctor may opt for a chest X-ray if you have metal implants. Other scans, such as MRIs, can be risky for people who have metal in their bodies.

Before the X-ray, you’ll undress from the waist up and change into a hospital gown.

How is a chest X-ray performed?

The X-ray occurs in a special room with a movable X-ray camera attached to a large metal arm. You will stand next to a “plate.” This plate may contain X-ray film or a special sensor that records the images on a computer. You’ll wear a lead apron to cover your genitals. This is because your sperm (men) and eggs (women) could be damaged from the radiation.

The X-ray technician will tell you how to stand and will record both front and side views of your chest. While the images are taken, you’ll need to hold your breath so that your chest stays completely still. If you move, the images might turn out blurry. As the radiation passes through your body and onto the plate, denser materials, such as bone and the muscles of your heart, will appear white.

After the images have been captured — which should take 20 minutes or so — your part is complete. You can change back into your clothes and go about your day.

What are the complications associated with a chest X-ray?

Doctors agree that exposure to the small amount of radiation produced during an X-ray is well worth it because of the diagnostic benefits the test provides.

However, doctors don’t recommend X-rays if you are pregnant. This is because radiation can harm your unborn baby. If you believe you are pregnant, make sure you tell your doctor.

What happens after a chest X-ray?

A lab usually develops the images from a chest X-ray on large sheets of film. When viewed against a lit background, your doctor can look for an array of problems, from tumors to broken bones.

A radiologist also goes over the images and gives your doctor their interpretation. Your doctor will discuss the results of your X-ray with you at a follow-up appointment.

Frequently asked questions

What does an X-ray detect?

X-ray radiography can help your healthcare team detect bone fractures and changes anywhere in the body, breast tissue changes and tumors, foreign objects, joint injuries, pneumonia, lung cancer, pneumothorax, and other lung conditions. X-rays may also show changes in the shape and size of your heart.

Can you tell if you have congestive heart failure from an X-ray?

A healthcare professional may be able to see internal signs of heart failure by looking at a chest x-ray. If they recognize any changes in the shape and size of your heart as well as any fluid buildup in your lungs, they may recommend more specialized exams to confirm or rule out heart failure. They will also take into account if you experience any symptoms.

What are the chest X-ray findings for heart failure?

X-ray findings related to heart failure may include increased blood flow in the upper region of the lungs, fluid buildup in the lungs (that may show up as horizontal lines or small dark circles), and increased heart size. However, medical professionals will likely recommend further testing and assess your symptoms to confirm or rule out heart failure or other causes for these findings.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

What is a chest X-ray? (2016).http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/cxray
X-ray (radiography) — chest. (2014). http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=chestrad

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Medically reviewed by Darragh O'Carroll, MD — Written by Brian Krans — Updated on February 16, 2024

Chest X-Ray: Purpose, Procedure, And Risks - Healthline

Why do I need a chest X-ray?

How do I prepare for a chest X-ray?

How is a chest X-ray performed?

What are the complications associated with a chest X-ray?

What happens after a chest X-ray?

Frequently asked questions

What does an X-ray detect?

Can you tell if you have congestive heart failure from an X-ray?

What are the chest X-ray findings for heart failure?

How we reviewed this article:

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