Chances are you have had or will have a chest x-ray at some point. According to the Radiological Society of North American, chest X-rays are the most commonly performed diagnostic x-ray. A chest X-ray allows a radiologist to see an image of the organs in the chest--the heart, blood vessels and lungs, as well as the airways, the spine and the bones of the chest cavity.
What is an X-ray?
During an X-ray, a small amount of ionizing radiation is beamed through the body part being imaged. In a chest X-ray, images will be taken from the front or rear of the chest, as well as from the side. The structures of the body absorb more or less radiation depending on how dense they are. Bone, for example, is very dense, and absorbs more radiation. Healthy lung tissue is less dense and absorbs less radiation. After the radiation passes through the body, it exposes a photographic plate on the other side. The differences in absorption of radiation produce the image. Traditionally the photographic plate was photographic film, although newer machines now use digital technology. The image is then viewed and interpreted by a radiologist and/or physician.
Why an X-ray?
Chest x-rays provide great diagnostic value. They can reveal a number of conditions from heart disease to cancer. It is the gold standard for the diagnosis of tuberculosis, an increasing health issue. Any time there is a question of a cardiopulmonary issue, a chest X-ray is a crucial part of the assessment process. The simplicity of the test itself belies the amount of information a physician experienced in reading chest x-rays can discern. Chest X-rays are not painful to the patient, are inexpensive and are generally quick to obtain. The radiation exposure is minimal; there is a risk but it is very small and outweighed by the diagnostic utility of the test.
As a Patient
If you are having a chest X-ray, you will be asked to remove your clothing and put on a hospital gown. You will be asked to remove any jewelry. Depending on the equipment being used, you will lie on a metal X-ray table or stand in front of an X-ray machine; this depends on the nature of the X-ray and the equipment being used. Your arms will be positioned by the technician. The technician will leave the testing area and ask you not to move while the image is being taken. You will be asked to take a deep breath and hold it during the X-ray. The actual X-ray itself takes only a few seconds. You will spend more time getting into position and waiting for the X-ray to be developed than actually having it taken. Once the technician is sure that he or she has the images needed, you can dress and leave.
Tags: chest X-ray, will asked, asked remove, being used, dense absorbs
