A chest X-ray is taken by a radiology
technologist. The pictures are usually read by a
radiologist, who writes the report. Other types of
doctors, such as a
family medicine doctor,
surgeon, also may review chest X-rays.
You will need to take off jewelry that might be in the way of the X-ray
picture. You may need to take off all or most of your clothes above the waist
(you may be allowed to keep on your underwear if it does not get in the way of
the test). You will be given a gown to wear during the test.
X-ray views of the chest are usually taken. One view is taken from the back;
the other view is taken from the side of the body. But other views may be
needed, depending on what your doctor is looking for. In an emergency, only one
picture may be taken, usually from the front.
You usually stand
with your front against an X-ray plate for the pictures. If you need to sit or
lie down, someone will help you get into the correct position.
will need to hold very still during the X-ray to prevent blurring of the
picture. You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds while the X-ray
picture is taken.
Most hospitals and some clinics have portable
X-ray machines. If a chest X-ray is done with a portable X-ray machine at your
bedside in a hospital, an X-ray technologist and nurse will help you move into
the correct position. Usually only one picture from the front is taken.