XR - CHEST LATERAL VIEW

A Chest Lateral View X-ray is a radiological technique used to assess structures within the thorax, such as the lungs and the heart from the side. 

With this procedure, the patient is subjected to a small amount of ionising radiation which helps in acquiring clear pictures of the required body part. 

What is a Chest Lateral View X-ray? 

A Chest Lateral View X-ray captures lateral or side views of the chest using x-ray techniques. The X-ray beam goes through the body and is converted into an image which is recorded on a digital plate. 

The test aids physicians in determining the configuration of the organs within the thorax –– the lungs, the heart and other structures in the chest cavity. 

Types of Chest Lateral View X-rays 

There are a few types of Chest Lateral View X Rays which include: 

• Standard lateral view: commonly used routine procedure with snapshot pictures of lungs from the side. 
• Expiratory lateral view: This view is captured during exhalation to cheque the amount of air a patient can retain in their lungs. 
• Inspiratory lateral view: Evaluates lung size and capacity during inhalation. In this step, the lungs are used in the most precise manner in order to assess how big they can get expanding-wise. 

There are a few parameters medical professionals consider during the test. These are as follows: 

• Size, shape, and placement of the lungs 
• Size and position of the heart 
• Position and shape of the diaphragm 
• Presence of any abnormal findings like masses, nodules, cysts etc. 
• Quality and density of bone 

A Chest Lateral view X-Ray is often prescribed for: 

• Lung pathology as in pneumonia, tuberculosis, or malignancy of lungs. 
• Assessing the progression of disease or it’s response to therapy. 
• Injury to the chest or trauma. 
• Diagnosing allowance, heart failure, or cardiac tamponade. 

When and Who Needs to Take a Chest Lateral View X-ray? 

A healthcare professional may prescribe a Chest Lateral View X-Ray for patients having the following symptoms:  

• Palpitations or chest pain. 
• Breathing difficulty or shortness of breath. 
• Coughing or heavy wheezing. 
• Feverish or chills symptoms. 
• Varying degrees of chest trauma. 

This examination is usually suggested for patients with known health issues such as: 

• Severe bronchitis. 
• Inflection of the lung(s). 
• Cardiovascular breakdown. 
• Neoplasm in the lungs. 
• Infection with mycobacterium tuberculosis. 

Benefits of Taking the Test

Benefits of this examination are: 

• Minimal and non-invasive procedure. 
• Correct, high definition images can easily be obtained. 
• A large number of chest diseases can be diagnosed. 
• Helps determine the need for further procedures or therapy. 

Illnesses Diagnosed with a Chest Lateral View X-ray

Here are some of the most common conditions that can easily be diagnosed with the help of this test. 

• Pneumonia 
• Tuberculosis (TB) 
• Lung cancer 
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 
• Heart Failure 
• Cardiac Tamponade 

In order to get ready for the test, the patient needs to: 

• Get rid of any metallic objects such as clothing with metal fasteners 
• Put on a hospital gown or other loose-fitting clothes 
• Bring to the attention of the technician any medical conditions or allergies 
• Comply with any additional directions given by the health professional 

Pre-requisites 

There are no specific pre-requisites for a Chest Lateral View X-ray but patients may have to: 

• Abstain from eating for some period of time before the test 
• Refrain from taking any certain medications or supplements 
• Tell the technician any relevant recent medical treatment or devices may have been implanted 

Best Time to Take the Chest Lateral View X-ray 

The Chest Lateral View Xray can be taken anytime you want, but it is usually done in the morning or early afternoon. 

Eligibility 

A Chest Lateral View X-Ray is usually done for people of all ages, but it may be unreasonable for pregnant women or some patients with certain other illnesses. 

Steps to perform a Chest Lateral View X Ray 

The procedure usually takes approximately 10 or 15 minutes to carry out, which consists of: 

1. The patients are instructed to stand or sit in upright position in front of the X-ray machine. 
2. The technician assists patients in placing their arms and hands in proper position. 
3. X-ray is processed while the radiological examination is performed with a beam over the chest area. 
4. Upon exposure, patients are required to hold their breath and remain motionless. 
5. The technician then analyses the image for missing information and cheques the quality of the image. 

Caution Before Taking the Test 

For every procedure, patients must tell their technician of any medical problems, allergies, or anything that could pose a risk during the test.