X - Ray Chest PA View

Also known as X - Ray Chest - Postero Anterior View

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Depending on the area to be imaged, you may be asked to wear a hospital gown at the time of the scan.
You may have to remove your jewelry and any metal objects which might interfere with the image.
Pregnant women should inform their doctor (and x-ray technician) as the radiations may affect the fetus. If needed, precautions can be taken to lower the radiation exposure to the fetus.
You may have to remove your jewelry and any metal objects which might interfere with the image.

Understanding X - Ray Chest PA View

What is X - Ray Chest PA View?

X - Ray Chest - PA (posteroanterior) view is an imaging test that uses X-rays to look at the structures and organs in your chest. It can help in detecting certain lung and heart problems as well as visualizing the internal organs of the chest which include food pipe and diaphragm.

This test is done to view any injury or fractures of the bones of the chest wall, some diseases of the lungs like pneumonia, and diagnose underlying heart diseases like enlargement of the heart.

The actual exposure time to radiation is usually less than a second, although the overall test may take 15-20 minutes.

What is X - Ray Chest PA View used for?

To diagnose any injury or fractures of the bones of the chest wall (includes the collar bone, breastbone, ribs, shoulder blade)
To diagnose some diseases of the lungs like infections, abnormal growth (tumors) or pneumothorax (presence of air between lungs and chest wall)
To diagnose underlying heart diseases like enlargement of the heart, fluid around the heart or problems of the heart valve
To diagnose any problems of the food pipe like infections, inflammations or abnormal growth
To diagnose any perforation of the diaphragm (by presence of free air in the chest)
To diagnose any suspected birth defects of the structures of the chest wall or the internal organs of this area

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about X - Ray Chest PA View

Frequently Asked Questions about X - Ray Chest PA View

Q. What are the drawbacks of a bone X-ray?

X-ray images give a very clear view of the bones. However, it does not provide a good visual image of the soft tissues like tendons, muscles or fat tissue under the skin. Even the bone microfractures or complicated spine injuries are not clearly visible on the X Ray images. Apart from this, it also exposes the patient to some amount of radiations but the benefit of the information gained from an X-ray image outweighs the risk of radiations.

Q. Who interprets the X-ray results?

The interpretation of an X-Ray image is carried out by a radiologist who analyses or reads the X-ray image and prepares a report of the findings which is shared with the patient.