Chest X-rays
Analysing chest X-rays
Adopt a systematic approach when analysing X-rays. You should check
the following:
Patient’s details
● Name, date and time of X-ray
Is it anteroposterior (AP) or posteroanterior (PA)? Supine or erect?
● AP X-rays are taken using a mobile machine with the patient in supine.
The heart appears larger and the scapulae are visible.
● PA X-rays are taken in the radiology department with the patient
standing erect. The quality is generally better and the scapulae are out
of the way. Is the patient positioned symmetrically?
Analysing chest X-rays
Adopt a systematic approach when analysing X-rays. You should check
the following:
Patient’s details
● Name, date and time of X-ray
Is it anteroposterior (AP) or posteroanterior (PA)? Supine or erect?
● AP X-rays are taken using a mobile machine with the patient in supine.
The heart appears larger and the scapulae are visible.
● PA X-rays are taken in the radiology department with the patient
standing erect. The quality is generally better and the scapulae are out
of the way. Is the patient positioned symmetrically?
