Chest X-ray
X-Ray, Chest
What Affects the Test
Reasons why the test results may not be helpful include:
- Not being able to stay still and hold your breath when asked during the test.
- Metal objects (such as spinal fixation rods and metal jewelry or belts) that get in the way of the X-ray picture.
- Obesity, which can hide chest problems or make it hard to get a good X-ray picture.
- Chest pain that can make it hard for you to take a deep breath during the X-ray.
- Scarring from past lung surgery or changes from a chronic disease, which may make the X-ray pictures hard to read.
A picture taken with a portable machine may not be as clear as those made by a stationary machine.
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| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS | Last Updated: September 11, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology | |
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| Topic Contents | |
| Test Overview | |
| Why It Is Done | |
| How To Prepare | |
| How It Is Done | |
| How It Feels | |
| Risks | |
| Results | |
 | What Affects the Test |
| What To Think About | |
| References | |
| Credits | |