What should you know about chest erect x ray?

You stand or sit facing the X-ray detector while the radiographer positions your chest and asks you to hold your breath briefly. Upright images can help show lung changes, the heart outline, bones and the space beneath the diaphragm. The test is quick and does not involve an incision. It uses a small amount of ionising radiation, so tell the radiographer if you are pregnant or might be pregnant.

A clinician may request the test for cough, breathlessness, fever, chest symptoms or an abnormal examination. It can support assessment of [Pneumonia](/conditions/pneumonia/), [Bronchiectasis](/conditions/bronchiectasis/), [Chronic Cough](/conditions/chronic-cough/) or [Tuberculosis](/conditions/tuberculosis/), but a clear image does not explain every symptom.

Follow the imaging centre’s instructions, remove metal objects from the chest area and wear clothing that allows easy positioning. Tell staff about pregnancy, prior chest imaging or difficulty standing. The radiographer may take more than one view. Your clinician will explain the report and decide whether you need observation, another test or treatment. [Tuberculosis Screening](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/tuberculosis-screening/) may be considered when exposure or symptoms make that appropriate.

An X-ray appointment should not delay emergency care. Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, sudden chest pressure, coughing blood, fainting, confusion or rapidly worsening illness. Contact the requesting clinician if symptoms continue despite a reassuring result.

Ask why the image was requested, what it can and cannot detect, when the report will be reviewed, and whether a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) or [Chest X-Ray](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/chest-x-ray/) follow-up is needed.