CHEST LATERAL VIEW X-RAY SCAN

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CHEST LATERAL VIEW X-RAY SCAN Image

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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

  1. Standing Lateral – Standard upright position
  2. Left Lateral Decubitus – Lying on left side (for pleural effusion detection)
  3. Right Lateral Decubitus – Lying on right side
  4. 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

  1. Check-in at Cadabams reception
  2. Verify identity and complete consent form
  3. Change into gown if needed
  4. Positioning: Stand sideways, arms raised or crossed above head
  5. Hold breath on technologist’s cue
  6. Image capture takes <1 second
  7. Immediate review for quality assurance
  8. 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 / ObservationWhat It Means
Clear lungsNo active disease
Patchy opacitiesLikely pneumonia
Blunted costophrenic anglePossible pleural effusion
Enlarged cardiac shadowCardiomegaly or pericardial effusion
Cavitary lesionCould 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.

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