How to Read a Chest X - Ray
The chest X-ray is one of the most commonly used methods of radiological imaging. A chest X-ray can give information about the lungs, heart, blood vessels, as well as the bones of the chest. Chest X-rays can be used to look for infections or broken bones, as well as assess the orientation of the stomach. In addition to being informative, a chest X-ray is relatively quick and inexpensive compared to other methods of medical imaging.
Step 1
Find the airway. This involves looking for the trachea and the main bronchi (the main parts of the airway) and also checking to make sure that the trachea (windpipe) is centered.
Step 2
Locate the clavicle, ribs and sternum. Check for fractures (these will be seen as small cracks in the bones).
Step 3
Look at the diaphragm and make sure the margins and edge of it are sharp. A fuzzy margin may indicate that there is fluid at the bottom of the lungs or around the diaphragm.
Step 4
Look for the gastric air bubble. It should be on the right hand side of the X-ray and indicates that the stomach is located properly.
Step 5
Look for areas of heightened contrast in the lungs. A diffuse dark area will suggest that there is fluid in the lungs. A localized area can indicate a tumor or localized infection.
Step 1
Find the airway. This involves looking for the trachea and the main bronchi (the main parts of the airway) and also checking to make sure that the trachea (windpipe) is centered.
Step 2
Locate the clavicle, ribs and sternum. Check for fractures (these will be seen as small cracks in the bones).
Step 3
Look at the diaphragm and make sure the margins and edge of it are sharp. A fuzzy margin may indicate that there is fluid at the bottom of the lungs or around the diaphragm.
Step 4
Look for the gastric air bubble. It should be on the right hand side of the X-ray and indicates that the stomach is located properly.
Step 5
Look for areas of heightened contrast in the lungs. A diffuse dark area will suggest that there is fluid in the lungs. A localized area can indicate a tumor or localized infection.