Chest X-Ray

What is a chest X-ray (CXR)?

A chest X-ray is a test that creates an image of your heart, lungs and bones. Other terms for chest X-ray are chest radiograph or CXR.

What can a chest X-ray diagnose?

Chest X-rays help healthcare providers diagnose issues that cause symptoms in your heart or lungs. Some of these symptoms include:

• Chest pain.
• Chronic cough.
• Difficulty breathing (dyspnea).
• Fever with other signs of infection.

Your healthcare provider may also recommend a chest X-ray to diagnose or monitor certain health conditions, including:

• Congestive heart failure.
• Emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Lung cancer.
• Pneumonia.
• Tuberculosis (TB).
• Ribcage injuries.

How does a chest X-ray (CXR) work?

Your body’s tissues vary in thickness. When radiation passes through your body, each structure allows a different amount of radiation to pass through.

For example, your bones are very thick and don’t allow much radiation to pass through. Bones look white on an X-ray image. Your lungs, however, allow more radiation through. Your lungs look gray on an X-ray image.

Healthcare providers look at the colors and shading on an X-ray to diagnose and treat health conditions.

How do I prepare for a chest X-ray (CXR)?

Chest X-rays require little to no preparation. When you get ready for your appointment, wear loose, comfortable clothing that doesn’t contain metal (zippers, snaps, bra closures) and leave jewelry at home.

If you have body piercings, ask your X-ray center for specific instructions. Body jewelry can interfere with clear images. You may need to remove them.

What to expect during a chest X-ray (CXR)

A radiology technologist will take your chest X-ray. These healthcare providers have specific training in X-ray testing.

You may change into a medical gown at your provider’s office. The X-ray technologist will also ask you to remove necklaces or any other metal around your chest area.

Typically, your chest X-ray consists of two parts:

1. You stand with your chest against the metal plate of the X-ray machine and your hands on your hips. This position produces an image of the front of your chest.
2. You stand with your side against the metal plate of the X-ray machine and your arms in the air. This position creates an image of the side of your chest.

During the chest X-ray, you need to remain very still and hold your breath. Any movement — even breathing in and out — can blur the X-ray image.

Chest X-rays usually take a few minutes to complete.

What to expect after a chest X-ray (CXR)

After the X-ray, your radiation technologist may ask you to wait a few minutes while they look at the images. If any of the images are blurry, they may have to retake the X-rays.

Next, the technologist will send your X-ray images to a radiologist who reviews them for normal and abnormal findings. Your healthcare provider will then review the images and radiologist’s report so they can discuss your X-ray results with you.

What are the risks or side effects of chest X-rays?

X-rays use a very small amount of radiation. Providers use only the necessary amount to capture quality images.

When should I know the results of my chest X-ray (CXR)?

In nonemergency cases, you’ll probably get your X-ray results within one to two days. In an emergency, you’ll usually know your results in a few minutes or hours.

What do my results mean?

Your healthcare provider will review your chest X-ray results in detail and explain what they mean. In general:

• A normal chest X-ray shows clear lungs, a healthy heart and a clearly outlined chest cavity. There are no visible nodules, tumors or masses.
• An abnormal chest X-ray can highlight atypical characteristics like an enlarged heart, fluid buildup in your lungs, broken ribs, cysts, masses and other irregularities.

If you get abnormal results, your provider may recommend additional tests (like a CT scan or PET scan) for more information.

When should I call my doctor?

Let your healthcare provider know if you have:

• Chest injury (if you think you have a broken rib, for instance).
• Chest pain that doesn’t go away.
• Chronic coughing.
• Difficulty breathing.

How many images are taken in a chest X-ray (CXR)?

A chest X-ray usually consists of two images — one taken from the front and the other taken from the side. But in some cases, a technologist might take a total of four images, including one as you lie on your back and one as you lie on your side.

Should I have a chest X-ray if I’m pregnant?

Always tell your healthcare provider if you might be pregnant — even if it’s only a small possibility. Radiation exposure can cause damage to a developing fetus.

The amount of radiation simple chest X-rays use is so small that it typically doesn’t cause issues during pregnancy. But healthcare providers prefer to limit radiation exposure until after your delivery. They’ll determine whether you need an X-ray based on your symptoms.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

A chest X-ray is a quick, noninvasive way for your provider to check the overall health of your lungs, heart and ribcage. It’s often one of the first tests they use to diagnose broken bones or lung and heart conditions. And it can help your provider determine what kind of treatment you need.