Chest (thorax) ultrasound
Quick answer: A chest ultrasound looks at the space around the lungs and the chest wall, and is good at showing fluid around the lungs. Doctors order it to look for or measure fluid around the lungs, and to guide drawing that fluid out.
- SampleImaging (no sample)
- TakesAbout 10 to 20 minutes
- Before the testNo special preparation is usually needed.
How the test is done
- 1You sit upright, often leaning forward on a table, or lie down if unwell
- 2Gel is spread on your back or side of the chest
- 3The probe is moved between the ribs to look at the space around the lungs
- 4If fluid is to be drawn, the spot may be marked on your skin
What your results can mean
Reading your report
A sonologist or radiologist reports on the scan, and your doctor will explain what the findings mean for you.
If the result is outside the usual range
A chest ultrasound can show fluid around the lungs and how much there is, whether the fluid has pockets, thickening of the lung lining, or some changes at the lung surface. It helps guide safe drainage of fluid.
Who usually has this test
People with fluid seen on a chest X-ray, breathlessness from a suspected fluid build-up, and those about to have fluid drawn from the chest.
Risks and aftercare
This scan does not use radiation; sitting still leaning forward can be tiring if you are breathless, and there is no aftercare.
Names and options
Also called: thorax scan, chest ultrasound, pleural ultrasound
Listed by the hospital as
- THORAX SCAN ULTRASOUND
Questions about this test
Why use ultrasound for the chest when air blocks sound waves?
Air in the lungs blocks the view of the lungs themselves, but fluid around the lungs shows very clearly. That makes ultrasound good for finding and measuring fluid.
Can a chest ultrasound guide fluid drainage?
Yes, doctors use it to find the safest spot to put in a needle. Guidelines advise ultrasound guidance for draining fluid from around the lungs.
Is a chest ultrasound safe in pregnancy?
Yes, ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation. It can be used in pregnant women when fluid around the lungs is suspected.
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This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.