Chest X-ray
Quick answer: A chest X-ray shows the lungs, heart outline, ribs and the space around the lungs. It can show infections such as pneumonia or tuberculosis, fluid and some growths. Doctors order it for cough, fever, breathlessness or chest pain, and sometimes as a routine check before surgery or anaesthesia.
- SampleImaging (no sample)
- TakesAbout 5 minutes
- Before the testNo special preparation is usually needed, but remove metal items from the area and tell staff if you might be pregnant.
How the test is done
- 1You remove clothes, chains and anything metal from the waist up and wear a gown
- 2You stand with your chest pressed against the upright plate and shoulders rolled forward
- 3You take a deep breath in and hold it while the picture is taken
- 4A side view may be taken with your arms raised
What your results can mean
Reading your report
A radiologist reports on the images, and your doctor will explain what the findings mean for you.
If the result is outside the usual range
A chest X-ray can show patches of infection such as pneumonia or tuberculosis, fluid around the lungs, a collapsed lung, an enlarged heart outline, or a shadow that needs further tests. Many findings need a CT scan or lab tests to confirm the cause.
Who usually has this test
People with cough, fever, breathlessness or chest pain, people being checked for tuberculosis, and some people before surgery or a visa medical.
Risks and aftercare
You can get dressed and carry on as normal straight away; the dose is very small, but tell staff first if you might be pregnant.
Names and options
Also called: CXR, X-ray chest, chest PA view
Options
- Back-to-front view (PA)
- Front view (AP)
- Side view (lateral)
- PA and side views
- AP and side views
- Top of the lungs (apical view)
- Angled view (oblique)
- AP angled view (AP oblique)
Listed by the hospital as
- CHEST AP DIGITAL X-RAY
- CHEST AP, LATERAL DIGITAL X-RAY
- CHEST APICAL VIEW DIGITAL X-RAY
- CHEST AP OBLIQUE DIGITAL X-RAY
- CHEST LAT DIGITAL X-RAY
- CHEST OBLIQUE DIGITAL X-RAY
- CHEST PA VIEW DIGITAL X-RAY
- CHEST PA, LATERAL VIEW DIGITAL X-RAY
Questions about this test
Is a chest X-ray safe?
A chest X-ray uses a very small dose of radiation, similar to a few days of natural background radiation. If you are or might be pregnant, tell staff first so your doctor can decide whether it is needed and how to shield you.
Can a chest X-ray show tuberculosis?
A chest X-ray can show changes in the lungs that suggest tuberculosis, but it cannot confirm it on its own. Doctors usually confirm TB with sputum or other lab tests.
Why do I need to take a deep breath for a chest X-ray?
A deep breath fills the lungs with air and pushes the diaphragm down, so more of the lungs can be seen clearly. Holding still also stops the picture from blurring.
Related tests
Tamara Hospital & IVF Centre, Rajajinagar
34/3, 10th Cross Road, opp. Vardhaka Sardar Patel School, 1st N Block, 2nd Stage, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010
The hospital is open 24 hours. Call before you come to check the timing for your scan or sample collection.
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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.