Clinique Pasteur Tunis
Chest X-ray (lungs, ribs)
Centres/Radiology/Conventional radiology/Chest X-ray

Chest X-ray (lungs, ribs)

Chest X-ray in Tunis, Tunisia · Centre Urbain Nord

Chest X-ray in Tunis: a quick examination of the lungs, heart and ribs for a cough, shortness of breath, fever or after an injury.

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What is it?

A chest X-ray is one of the most common imaging examinations. It shows the lungs, the outline of the heart, the ribs and the diaphragm, in a few seconds and with a very low dose of X-rays. It is usually taken standing, from the front, sometimes with an additional side view. For a hospitalised patient who cannot move, it can be done at the bedside with a mobile unit. A "rib series" is a set of images focused on the ribs, requested after an injury or pain in the rib cage; additional views may be added. A chest X-ray is also often required in a medical file for a visa or work abroad: it is carried out in exactly the same way.

When is it indicated?

Persistent cough, fever, suspected pneumonia

The X-ray shows an infected area of the lung or fluid around the lung.

Shortness of breath, chest pain

It helps look for a lung or heart cause and guides further tests.

Injury to the rib cage

The rib series looks for a rib fracture and checks for air or blood around the lung.

Pre-operative check-up or medical file

It is part of some check-ups before anaesthesia, or of medical files for a visa or work.

Monitoring a hospitalised patient

At the bedside, it monitors a lung condition or checks the position of a catheter or tube.

Preparation

1Tell us before the examination if you are pregnant or think you might be
2Remove necklaces, chains, underwired bras and any metal object from the upper body
3Wear simple clothes that are easy to take off; a gown may be provided
4Tie up long hair if it covers the upper back
5Bring your referral and any previous X-rays or reports of the same area

Procedure

1

You remove clothing and metal objects from the area being examined, in a changing cubicle

2

You stand with your chest against the detector plate, shoulders rolled forward

3

You are asked to take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds

4

Several images may be taken from different angles, called "views": from the front, from the side (lateral), sometimes at an oblique angle

5

At the bedside, the plate is slid behind your back and the unit is brought to you

6

After the examination, you can return to your usual activities straight away

Duration

About 5 to 10 minutes

Results

The images are analysed by a radiologist, who writes a report. It is given to you with the images and sent to your doctor, who will explain the results and the next steps. You will be told on the day of the examination when the results will be ready.

Precautions and contraindications

Low X-ray dose; an X-ray is painless and leaves nothing behind in the body
During pregnancy, X-rays are avoided, or carried out with precautions if they are really necessary
A normal X-ray does not always rule out a small rib fracture or a small lesion: your doctor may request another examination
Only the position may be slightly uncomfortable if you are in pain or injured; the team adapts how you are positioned

Your doctor and the radiology team will inform you in detail before the examination. Feel free to ask them your questions.

This information is general and does not replace the advice of your doctor, who chooses the examination suited to your situation.

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