CHEST LATERAL VIEW X-RAY SCAN
Also Known As
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Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
Reports in
6hrs
Measures
No description available
Identifies
No identification information available
About The Test
A Chest Lateral View X-Ray Scan is a painless, non-invasive imaging test that captures detailed side-profile images of your chest. It offers a complementary angle to the standard front (PA) view, helping radiologists assess hidden areas of the lungs, heart and chest wall.
Quick Facts | |
---|---|
Test Duration | 10–15 minutes |
Preparation Time | None to minimal |
Safety | Very low radiation dose |
Reports | Same-day or within 24 hrs |
What Is a Chest Lateral View X-Ray Scan?
Definition
A Chest Lateral View X-Ray Scan positions the X-ray beam from the side of your body (lateral projection) while you stand or sit upright. The resulting image shows:
- Spine alignment
- Rib cage curvature
- Heart silhouette
- Lung fields (especially to rule out hidden masses or fluid)
Why It’s Different
Unlike the front view alone, the lateral view:
- Uncovers lesions located behind the heart or diaphragm
- Evaluates vertebral alignment
- Detects small pleural effusions (fluid around the lungs)
Types of Chest Lateral View X-Ray Scan
- Standing Lateral – Standard upright position
- Left Lateral Decubitus – Lying on left side (for pleural effusion detection)
- Right Lateral Decubitus – Lying on right side
- Expiratory Lateral – Taken while you exhale (to detect air trapping)
At Cadabams, our radiologists choose the appropriate type based on clinical need.
List of Parameters
- Vertebral body alignment
- Cardiac width and silhouette
- Costophrenic angles (lung base sharpness)
- Retrocardiac space (area behind the heart)
- Diaphragm position and contour
- Rib fractures or lesions
- Soft-tissue masses or calcifications
Why This Test
- Confirm pneumonia location
- Rule out tuberculosis cavities
- Evaluate sarcoidosis or interstitial lung disease
- Assess heart size (cardiomegaly)
- Check progression of known lung nodules
- Pre-surgical baseline imaging
When to Take Test
You may be asked for this scan if you have:
- Persistent cough or blood-tinged sputum
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- History of lung infections (TB, pneumonia)
- Injury after trauma (e.g., rib fracture)
- Pre-employment or visa medicals
Common Patient Groups
- Adults of all ages
- Children (when clinically indicated)
- Elderly patients with chronic conditions
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Chest Lateral View X-Ray Scan
- Fast results—often ready within hours
- No needles or contrast dye required
- Cost-effective compared to CT
- Portable equipment available for bedside scans at Cadabams
- Digital images can be shared instantly with your doctor
Illnesses Diagnosed with Chest Lateral View X-Ray Scan
- Pneumonia & bronchitis
- Tuberculosis
- Lung cancer & metastases
- Pleural effusion & empyema
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
- Rib fractures
- Kyphosis or scoliosis
- Enlarged heart (cardiomegaly)
Preparing for test
Do
- Wear loose, metal-free clothing or change into a hospital gown
- Remove necklaces, bras with underwire, and chest piercings
- Bring previous films for comparison
Don’t
- Apply talcum powder or lotions on the chest
- Eat or drink restrictions—none required
Pre-requisites Chest Lateral View X-Ray Scan
- Doctor’s prescription (not mandatory for health-check packages)
- Pregnancy screening (urine or serum β-hCG) if applicable
- Old X-rays/CDs for comparison
Best Time to Take the Chest Lateral View X-Ray Scan
- Any time of day (no fasting needed)
- Morning slots preferred for walk-ins to avoid crowds
- For follow-ups, schedule at the same time of day as prior scans for consistency
Eligibility
Eligible | Not Eligible or Requires Extra Care |
---|---|
Adults & children > 5 yrs | Pregnant women (defer or shield) |
Patients with pacemakers | Severely uncooperative pediatric patients (may need sedation) |
Wheelchair users | — |
Procedure for Taking a Chest Lateral View X-Ray Scan
- Check-in at Cadabams reception
- Verify identity and complete consent form
- Change into gown if needed
- Positioning: Stand sideways, arms raised or crossed above head
- Hold breath on technologist’s cue
- Image capture takes <1 second
- Immediate review for quality assurance
- Dress up and wait for digital report
Caution Before Taking the Test
- Inform staff if you may be pregnant
- Disclose implants (pacemaker, sternal wires)
- Stay still to avoid motion blur
- Ask questions—our staff is happy to explain every step
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
Finding / Observation | What It Means | |
---|---|---|
Clear lungs | No active disease | |
Patchy opacities | Likely pneumonia | |
Blunted costophrenic angle | Possible pleural effusion | |
Enlarged cardiac shadow | Cardiomegaly or pericardial effusion | |
Cavitary lesion | Could be TB or malignancy |
Risks & Limitations
Risks | How Cadabams Mitigates |
---|---|
Minimal radiation exposure | Use of digital radiography (30–50 % lower dose) |
Pregnancy risk | Mandatory pregnancy screening for women of child-bearing age |
Overlapping structures | Dual-view (PA + lateral) to increase accuracy |
FAQs
Is the Chest Lateral View X-Ray Scan painful?
No. You simply stand still for a few seconds.
How much radiation will I receive?
Approximately 0.06 mSv—equal to 6 days of natural background radiation.
Can I bring a family member inside the X-ray room?
Only if they wear a lead apron and the radiographer approves.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
Recommended, but walk-ins for health packages are accepted.
How soon can I resume normal activities?
Immediately—no downtime required.