What should you know about the procedure of a chest X-ray?

At the imaging service, you may be asked to change into a gown and remove jewellery, glasses, or clothing with metal near the chest. You will usually stand facing the X-ray detector and then turn for another view; people who cannot stand may be positioned sitting or lying down. The radiographer will ask you to keep still and hold your breath briefly while each image is taken. The procedure itself is not painful, although standing or positioning may be uncomfortable if you are unwell or injured.

Images can show features that help assess Pneumonia, Tuberculosis, Bronchiectasis, or other chest problems, but an X-ray cannot explain every cough or breathing symptom. Learn more about [Chest X-Ray](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/chest-x-ray/) and [Chronic Cough](/conditions/chronic-cough/).

Follow the appointment instructions and tell the radiographer if you might be pregnant, have difficulty standing, or need help with positioning. You usually do not need to fast. Wear clothes that can be changed easily and bring relevant referral information. After the images, you can normally return to usual activities unless your clinician gives different advice. A radiologist reviews the images and sends a report to the requesting clinician; ask how and when you will receive the result.

A chest X-ray appointment should not delay urgent help for severe breathlessness, blue lips, new confusion, fainting, crushing chest pain, coughing large amounts of blood, or sudden worsening after an injury. Contact the requesting clinician if your symptoms worsen while waiting for the report, because the scan is one part of an assessment and may need to be combined with examination or other tests.

Ask why the X-ray is needed, which views are planned, whether pregnancy changes the recommendation, when the report will be available, and what happens if the image does not explain your symptoms. Ask whether Tuberculosis Screening is appropriate when exposure or persistent symptoms are concerns.