XR - CHEST PA VIEW

Chest X-Ray (PA View) Overview

One of the most common imaging tests is a chest X-ray (Posteroanterior view which is often also known with PA view). This type of test focuses on providing images for thorax, a region that includes the heart, lungs, ribs, spine, and a part of the upper digestive system. For the sternum, its beating heart is to explain it in all easy the distances that afflict the area of the body known as the chest. When X-rays are taken in the PA view, the rays move from the posterior part of the human body to the anterior, thus getting the image of the whole thoracic region/ chest area. It will be relevant for healthcare professionals and patients who expect/s undertake such tests to understanding the fundamentals and core principles of a chest x-ray. Let’s take a look at what involves a Chest X-ray (PA View): 

Chest X-ray (PA View)? 

A Chest X-ray (PA view, same as PA ) is a screening test that provides a picture of the chest’s organs after certain amount of ionizing radiation is used towards the subject. The radiology uses delivered x-ray images through a source that focuses on x-ray beams at a certain body part or region which certain tissues are denser than other tissues and absorbs the x-ray rays to mostly photograph these tissues. 

Bones turn white because they soak in more x-rays than any other tissue, tissues such as blood are bordered by darker shades of grey while air filled tissues like the lungs are color black, finally in one of the posteroanterior perspectives the patient stands with his chest interposed between the x-ray plate and the x-ray tube it provides an improved image of the chest with reduced interference and greater clarity of its internal structures. 

Types of Chest X-ray Views 

Apart from the PA view, there are other types of chest X-ray views, including:

• Lateral View: Often used in addition to the PA view and allows side of the chest to be included in the examination. 
• Mobile or Portable X-ray: Considered useful for patients that are in a rather challenging condition to move around, providing lesser quality than the standard views. 

List of Parameters Considered During the Chest X-ray (PA View)

Various factors including, movement for comfort of the patient rest or other necessary items are accounted when performing a PA view. 

• Pulmonary Hilum: Should appear uniformly symmetrical without the presence of any mass or abnormal densities. 
• Lung Fields: Uniform distribution, massive, fluid or infiltrates. 
• Heart Size and Contour: Regarding heart size, enlargement or deformation was noted. 
• Ribs and Diaphragm: Noted for displacement, abnormal shape, or any fracture at the ribs. 
• Costophrenic Angles: Is angular in shape and acute and devoid of any fluid. 

Reasons for Taking a Chest X-ray (PA View)

• Assisting in measuring the severity of pulmonary infections (pneumonia and bronchitis) 
• History and assessment of lung conditions (such as emphysema and COPD) 
• Diagnosing of heart disease (including heart failure, and cardiomegaly) 
• Evaluation of physical ailments, such as rib trauma and deformities of the thoracic vertebrae 
• Evaluation before certain medical procedures in which the patient undergoes an anesthetic 

When and Who Needs to Take a Chest X-ray (PA View)? 

Chest X-rays are justified in certain instances including: 

Symptoms Diagnosis: 

• A cough that won’t go away 
• Problems with breathing or feeling breathless 
• Pain in the chest area 
• A fever in the setting of a cough 

Routine Checks: 

• Pre-operative examinations 
• Periodic check-ups for employment purposes such as underground workers and firefighters 

Diagnostic Follow-ups: 

• Patients with chronic lung disease such as COPD or asthma 
• Patients with history of tuberculosis or tracking tuberculosis in an exposed patient 
• Follow-ups after treatment of pneumonia, among others. 

Specific Demographics: 

• Previously, patients who had past pulmonary problems 
• Patients who smoke or have smoked in the past 
• Patients who have a history of occupational exposure to harmful agents, 

Benefits of Taking a Chest X-ray (PA View)

• Allows for consideration and decision making for lung cancer or tuberculosis treatments rather than just for preventative measures. 
• Is Useful In The Formulation Of Working Plans And Strategies. 
• Is Non – Invasive, Rapid And Quick, With Broad Availability. 
• It Gives A Broad And Deep Understanding Of The Health Conditions Of The Heart And Lungs. 
• Assist in assessing further investigation or intervention. 

Illnesses Diagnosed with Chest X-ray (PA View)

• Pneumonia 
• Tuberculosis 
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 
• Pulmonary oedema 
• Diseases of the heart (such as cardiomegaly) 
• Fracture of the ribs and additional bones 
• Pleural ascites 

Preparing for a Chest X-ray (PA View)

• Put on clothing that is loose fitting that does not contain any metal or do not wear any jewelry at all. 
• When needed, wear a hospital dress. 
• Take off all metal ornaments such as chains and metal underwire in a brassiere or any other clothing. 
• Orally comply with all the orders of the physician. 

Cautionary Indications 

• Disclose the pregnancy fact to the radiologist concerned, so that precaution measures can be taken. 
• Show the latest X-ray or any recent imaging methods. 
• Report any breathing problems that may interfere with the position during the procedure. 

Best Time to Take the Chest X-ray (PA View) 

Usually, a patient requiring a chest x-ray can receive the same any time that it is needed for diagnostic purposes but is often scheduled during business hours in the case of clinics or hospitals for easier management. 

Eligibility 

As a rule of thumb, most of the individuals who are in need of a chest organ examination are eligible, with the exception of pregnant women, and other persons with history of high radiation exposure. 

Procedure for Taking a Chest X-ray (PA View) 

1. Preparation: The patient removes his/her clothes put on a gown. 
2. Positioning: The patient approaches the X-ray machine and holds the plate with his/her chest, arms on the sides-hips and the shoulders slightly rounded in front. 
3. Holding Breath: The patient is required by the technician to avoid taking in air as holding burns helps in reducing motion blur. 
4. Image Capture: The action was instantaneous as the X-ray machine took the image. 
5. Completion: The whole process takes an x-ray for about 15-30 seconds for each view. 

Caution Before Taking The Test 

• Tell the technician that you are pregnant or might be pregnant. 
• Inform all chest injuries that may influence the position. 
• Radiation, especially exposure of frequent x-rays, should be addressed plenty of times.