X-Ray (AP / LAT View) Test

Anteroposterior (AP) chest radiographs can be made in the intensive care unit, the operating suite or the patient’s room itself using a mobile equipment. The tests are often known as portable films when performed with a mobile unit. AP are often of a less quality than PA (Posteroanterior) that are made in the radiography unit. It is advised for the film to be made in a radiography unit unless under certain condition where the patient cannot move without hazard.

A lateral chest projection is a part of standard x-ray examination of chest. The lateral view clearly displays the retrosternal and retro cardiac spaces that are not clearly visible in the PA view. It is especially useful in detecting lower-lobe lung diseases and anterior mediastinal masses.

The patient is instructed by the doctor to remove clothes up the waist and change into a hospital gown. The patient is asked to remove nay jewellery or accessories he/she is wearing at the time of surgery. The patient should inform the doctor if she is pregnant. If required the patient will be instructed by the doctor to tie the hair on top of head.

A chest x-ray is used to perform in AP as well lateral view to evaluate lungs, heart and chest wall. It is a first imaging test to diagnose symptoms like difficulty in breathing, a bad and persistent cough, chest pain or injury and fever. Other conditions like lung cancer, pneumonia, heart failure and other problems are also taken as symptoms by physicians and they order for chest x-ray. Lateral view test gives most clear images and hence is widely used for chest x-ray.

Two views of chest are taken, one from the back and other one from the side of the body as the patient stands against the image recording plate. The technologist positions the patient with hands on hips and the chest is pressed against the image plate. For the second view the patient’s side is against the image palate with his arms raised above. The patient must hold very still and also may be asked to hold from breathing for a few seconds while the picture is taken to prevent the image from getting blur. The entire examination is usually completed within 15 minutes. Additional images may be required with passage of time to evaluate any changes.