Chest X-Ray lateral view Procedure

Chest X-Ray Lateral View examination is used to identify the problems and various factors affecting health such as

• The potential birth defects affecting the chest wall structures or the internal organs located in the chest region
• Injuries or fractures affect the bones of the chest wall.
• Heart disease
• Pulmonary embolism
• Pneumothorax
• Metastasis
• Trauma
• Rib fractures
• Fluid in your lungs
• Size of heart and vessels
• Calcium present in your vessels
• Presence of foreign inhaled bodies

Procedure for Chest X-Ray Lateral View

Positioning of the patient

• This procedure requires the left side of the patient to be positioned against the image receptor, thereby minimizing cardiac magnification.
• The patients need to raise their arms and cross them above the head with an extended chin, and the thorax without rotation or tilt.
• X-Ray Technician will instruct the patient to extend the arms over the head to prevent overlapping the sternum
• Patient will be instructed to breathe out and hold while the exposure is taken.
• The correct anatomical and positional markers are essential to be included in the image.

Technical factors for the procedure

• Left lateral projection
• Suspended inspiration
• Collimation

1. On an average adult, The T7 level is 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) below the jugular notch.
2. For patients with an athletic physique, the T7 level is as much as 5 inches below the jugular notch.
3. The chest landmark corresponds to the scapula’s inferior angle.
4. The position of CR should be perpendicular and midline to the film cassette.

This procedure is completely safe. You can resume your daily activities after the completion of the procedure.

Mr. Mohit

Education Department