Chest X-Ray

You may have a chest X-ray as an outpatient or as part of your stay in a hospital. The way the test is done may vary depending on your condition and your healthcare provider’s practices.

You’ll be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that may get in the way of the test.

You’ll be given a gown to wear.

You may be asked to lie down, sit, or stand. Your position depends on what images the technologist needs.

For a standing or sitting image, you’ll stand or sit in front of the X-ray plate. You’ll be asked to roll your shoulders forward, take in a deep breath, and hold it until the X-ray is made. If you’re unable to hold your breath, the technologist will take the picture by watching how you breathe.

You’ll need to stay still during the X-ray. Moving during the X-ray may affect the quality of the image.

For a side-angle view of the chest, you’ll be asked to turn to your side and raise your arms above your head. You’ll be told to take in a deep breath and hold it as the X-ray is made.

The technologist will step behind a special window while the images are being made.

The chest X-ray isn’t painful. But you may have some discomfort or pain from moving into different positions if you have had recent surgery or an injury. The technologist will use all possible comfort measures and do the scan as quickly as possible to minimize any discomfort or pain.