X-ray

Chest X-ray is an extremely common procedure done to evaluate the lungs, heart, and chest wall. X-ray often help diagnose the cause of various symptoms, including persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain or injury, and fever. It can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

For the procedure, the patient generally stands against the X-ray machine while images of the lungs and chest wall are being made. The procedure does not require any special preparation and is fast, painless, and non-invasive.

The results of an X-ray can help diagnose or rule out the presence of various conditions including pneumonia, heart failure and other heart problems, emphysema, lung cancer, and other medical conditions.

If active tuberculosis is suspected, an X-ray can give an indication of the need for further testing and of the extent of any damage; however, an X-ray alone cannot be used to confirm the presence of TB.