A quick X-ray picture of the lungs, heart and chest.
General health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency, call 102. Always consult a qualified health professional.
A Chest X-ray is a quick picture of the lungs, heart, and chest. It shows the size of the lungs, heart, ribs, and large airways. The X-ray helps doctors look for conditions like pneumonia, tuberculosis, heart enlargement, fluid, or injury. No special preparation is needed. You remove metal objects and upper clothing. The X-ray uses a very small amount of radiation. Tell staff if you are or might be pregnant to protect you. It takes a few minutes.
The lungs, heart size, ribs and large airways.
To look for pneumonia, tuberculosis, heart enlargement, fluid or injury.
No special preparation; you remove metal objects and upper clothing.
X-ray imaging of the chest.
Uses a very small amount of radiation. Tell staff if you are or might be pregnant so they can protect you.
A few minutes.
Consult a doctor to interpret results — a single test does not make a diagnosis.
RadiologyInfo.org (ACR/RSNA) →
Uses your location once to list the nearest facilities. Nothing is stored.
Why is Chest X-ray done?
To look for pneumonia, tuberculosis, heart enlargement, fluid or injury.
How do I prepare for Chest X-ray?
No special preparation; you remove metal objects and upper clothing.
Is Chest X-ray safe in pregnancy?
Uses a very small amount of radiation. Tell staff if you are or might be pregnant so they can protect you.