Chest X-Ray

What is an x-ray?

An x-ray is made by using low levels of external radiation to produce images of the body, the organs, and other internal structures for diagnostic purposes. X-rays pass through body structures onto specially treated plates (similar to camera film) and a "negative" type picture is made. The more solid a structure is, the whiter it appears on the film. For this reason, bones appear very white on an x-ray film, but less dense tissue such as muscle, blood, skin, and fat appears darker.

Why is a chest x-ray performed?

A chest x-ray may be used to assess heart status (either directly or indirectly) by looking at the heart itself, as well as the lungs. Many conditions may be assessed with a chest x-ray.

Chest x-rays may also be ordered as part of a physical examination.

How is a chest x-ray performed?

A chest x-ray may be performed in the hospital, clinic, or in your child's physician's office.

There may be a table in the room, and there will be a large x-ray camera suspended from the ceiling which can be moved in many directions in order to obtain various views. Portable x-ray equipment can be used to make films on patients in areas of the hospital, such as the operating room, the emergency department, or the intensive care unit.

A chest x-ray may be performed in a standing, sitting, or lying position, depending on the condition of the child and the reason for the x-ray. For a standing or sitting film, your child will stand or sit in front of an x-ray plate. If the x-ray is taken in the lying position, the plate is placed beneath your child while he/she is lying on his/her back or side.

Parents are usually able to stay in the room with their children to provide support and encouragement. You will be asked to wear a lead apron to protect you from unneeded exposure to radiation during the x-ray.

Portable x-ray machines may be used when it is difficult or unsafe to transport the child to the radiology department. Portable x-ray machines are generally used when the child is in an intensive care unit (ICU).

Depending on the results of the chest x-ray, additional tests or procedures may be scheduled to gather further diagnostic information.

Online Resources
The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.

Events related to X-ray in Tampa

Return to main Glossary Index