Radiography involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. The Chest X-ray is the most commonly performed diagnostic x-ray examination. A Chest X-ray makes images of the heart, lungs, airway, blood vessels and the bones of the spine and chest.

The Chest X-ray is performed to evaluate the lungs, heart and chest wall.

A Chest X-ray is typically the first imaging test used to help diagnose
symptoms such as:

1. Shortness of breath
2. A bad or persistent cough
3. Chest pain or injury
4. Fever

A Chest X-ray requires no special preparation.

You may be asked to remove some or all of your clothes and to wear a gown during the exam. You may also be asked to remove jewelry, eye glasses and any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the x-ray images. If you have shoulder-length hair, you may be asked to tie up your hair.

Women should always inform their physician or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. Many imaging tests are not performed during pregnancy because radiation can be harmful to the fetus. If an X-ray is necessary, precautions will be taken to minimize radiation exposure to the baby.