CHEST X-RAY

Digital chest X-ray is a projection radiographic examination used in the diagnosis of thoracic organs and nearby structures for pathological changes. This is a painless, safe and fast way to diagnose a number of diseases of the respiratory system. At the "Oxford Medical" clinic in Kiev X-ray examination of the lungs is carried out with the help of a digital x-ray system - Siemens Multix Select DR (Germany).

INDICATIONS FOR CHEST X-RAY

X-rays of the lungs can be prescribed as a preventive study of tuberculosis, but most often another x-ray study is used for this purpose - fluorography. X-rays are prescribed in cases when ambiguous fluorography data are obtained or the patient has signs of lung disease:

• cough (prolonged and unproductive);
• breathlessness;
• pain behind the sternum;
• pain in the shoulder blades;
• general weakness, fever.

Chest X-ray makes it possible to diagnose the following diseases:

• pneumonia (lung inflammation);
• pleurisy (inflammation of the pleura);
• tuberculosis;
• emphysema of the lung;
• pulmonary edema;
• lung tissue rapture;
• pneumothorax (accumulation of air in the pleural cavity);
• accumulation of fluid in the lungs;
• bronchial asthma;
• tumors (including lung cancer).

PREPARATION AND CONDUCT OF CHEST X-RAY

Chest X-ray does not require any preliminary preparation, the only thing that is required from the patient is to take off metal jewelry and accessories from the neck and chest. Then a patient strips to the waist and stands straight in front of the screen of the x-ray machine, the lower part of the body is covered with a special lead apron.

Then the diagnostician asks the patient to breathe in and hold his breath for a few seconds, so that the lungs are in the most straightened state during the procedure. After that the patient gets dressed and the doctor examines the data obtained and forms a conclusion based on the results of the study. During the procedure the patient does not experience any unpleasant or painful sensations.

Chest X-rays can be performed in two projections: direct (when the patient is facing the screen) and lateral. Such a study is prescribed if the presence of tuberculosis is suspected. X-rays in two projections may also be necessary for the diagnosis of pneumonia, pneumothorax, heart disease. It is used with the purpose to clarify the location and size of tumors if lung cancer takes place.

THE ADVANTAGES OF DIGITAL CHEST X-RAY

Digital X-ray is becoming more common due to a number of advantages in comparison with the systems of previous generation (in which x-rays fall on the film, and not on a special sensitive matrix):

• significantly lower radiation exposure;
• a better and clearer image, which, if necessary, is additionally processed by software methods;
• immediate results – the study data is displayed on the screen, there is no need to spend time developing the film;
• simplicity of usage of the data – it can be stored on digital media, sent by e-mail, printed, etc.

You can make an appointment for a chest X-ray at the «Oxford Medical» clinic in Kiev by calling us or making an appointment via chat on the website.