XR chest X-ray

The image can show patterns that help a clinician investigate problems such as infection, fluid around the lungs, injury or a long-lasting cough. It is one piece of the assessment, not a diagnosis on its own; your symptoms, examination and medical history still matter.

A radiographer takes the pictures and a clinician reviews the report. If a result needs further explanation, your clinician may discuss another examination, a repeat image or a different test.

You may be asked to remove jewellery or clothing with metal around the chest and wear a gown. Tell the imaging staff if you might be pregnant, have recently had imaging, or cannot stand comfortably. Follow their breathing and positioning instructions to keep the pictures clear.

Bring the request form if you were given one and ask how you will receive the result. Continue medicines unless the clinician gives different instructions; a standard chest X-ray usually does not require special preparation.

Seek urgent assessment for severe breathlessness, chest pain, blue or grey lips, confusion, coughing up a large amount of blood, or rapidly worsening illness. These symptoms need clinical assessment based on their urgency, whether or not an X-ray has been arranged.

Ask what question the X-ray is intended to answer, when the report will be reviewed, and what the next step would be if the image is unclear or abnormal. Mention tuberculosis exposure, a persistent cough or previous chest conditions.