This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Chest X-ray

Authoring team

A chest radiograph should be examined in a systematic way:

  • check the name on the film
  • make an estimate of age and sex of patient if this information is not provided
  • check the projection which should be posterior-anterior - PA
  • the whole of the chest should be visible on the film, check for rotation and that there has been satsifactory penetration
  • check chest expansion and the diaphragm - the right hemidiaphragm is 2 cm higher than the left
  • check for normal lung markings - the horizontal fissure is visible in 60% of normal chest X-rays; it runs from the centre of the right hilum, laterally and horizontally, to meet the sixth rib in the mid-axilla.

The following are described in more detail in subsequent nodes:

  • check the mediastinum
  • assess the cardiothoracic ratio (only on the PA film)
  • look at the pulmonary vessels
  • lung fields
  • bones
  • soft tissues

Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.