Radiology·Radiology
Chest X ray
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
A chest X-ray is a quick, painless imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to take pictures of the inside of your chest. It shows your heart, lungs, airways, blood vessels, and the bones of your spine and chest wall. Doctors use it to look for problems like infections, fluid, or injuries.
Key facts
- Chest X-rays are one of the most common medical imaging tests.
- The amount of radiation is very low – about the same as you get from natural background radiation over 10 days.
- You do not need to do anything special to prepare for a chest X-ray.
Yes, chest X‑rays are very common. Millions are done every year around the world. They are often the first imaging test doctors request when they need to check your chest.
Anyone can have a chest X‑ray – from babies to older adults – if their doctor thinks it may help find the cause of their symptoms. They are used for people of all ages and backgrounds.