Chest x Ray is the most cdmmon means of examining the condition of the lungs. Areas of inflammation and abnormal tissue. inhaled foreign bodies, and the abnormal presence of fluid in and outside of the lungs are demonstrated by chest X-ray. These changes and the preesence of other abnormal shadows in the lungs may aid in the diagnosis of disorders such as pneumonia, lung cancer and collapsed lung.

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. There is always a slight chance of damage to cells or tissue from radiation, including the low levels of radiation used for this test. 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. In an emergency, the results of a chest X-ray can be available within a few minutes for review by your doctor. If it is not an emergency, results are usually ready the same day or the next day.

What are the benefits?

• X-rays usually have no side effects.
• X-ray equipment is relatively inexpensive and widely available in physician offices, ambulatory care centers, nursing homes and other locations, making it convenient for both patients and physicians.

What Affects the Test

• Obesity.
• Metal objects (such as spinal fixation rods and metal jewelry or belts)
• Chest pain.

How to prepare for the test?

• No special preparation is necessary.
• Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant.
• Chest x-rays are generally avoided during the 1st and 2nd trimesters of pregnancy.
• You must wear a hospital gown and remove all jewelry.

Risks

• The only risk associated with chest x ray is minimal exposure to radiation.
• Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the x-ray.
• There is always a slight chance of cancer from radiation. However, the benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs the risk.