🫁 Chest X-Ray

A quick imaging test that uses low-dose radiation to view the heart, lungs, and chest bones.

🔍 What is it?
 

A chest X-ray is one of the most commonly performed scans. It produces images of the lungs, heart, ribs, and diaphragm to check for infections, fluid, or structural issues.

🧪 What does it show?
 

• Lung infections (e.g., pneumonia)
• Enlarged heart or heart failure
• Fluid around lungs (pleural effusion)
• Lung cancer or masses
• Rib fractures or chest trauma

❓ Why might I need it?
 

😮 Shortness of breath or chest pain
🌡️ Persistent cough or fever
🩺 Monitoring heart or lung disease
🧬 Tuberculosis screening
🏥 Pre-surgery check

🧬 Conditions it can help detect:
 

• Pneumonia or bronchitis
• Heart failure
• Lung cancer or metastasis
• Tuberculosis
• COPD or asthma exacerbations

🩺 How is it done?

You’ll stand against a plate while the machine takes quick images.

📸 Often completed in seconds
💡 You may be asked to hold your breath
⚡ Very low radiation dose

⏳ Duration: 5–10 minutes
📄 Results usually available in 1–2 days

💷 Typical Private Cost in the UK:

💰 £50–£150

✅ Commonly Combined With:

• Blood tests (e.g. CRP, white cell count)
• ECG – for chest pain evaluation
• CT scan – for follow-up or detailed imaging

📚 References:

• NHS – Chest X-ray
• Royal College of Radiologists
• NICE – Respiratory Diagnostics