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A chest X-ray is the most common radiology test for children.
The image will show the heart, lungs, bones and other tissues in the chest. Capturing the image itself takes less than a second and you’ll be able to stay with your child during the test.
Two views usually are taken for a child’s chest X-ray: a front and a side view. If your child is in the intensive care unit, then one view only may be obtained. Young children will lie on the table and hold their hands above their head. Older children will stand up and face the camera for one image, then turn to the side for the second.
To use as little radiation as possible, the Norton Children’s technologist will use a beam of visible light to target a narrow radiation beam.
Comparing a chest X-ray with earlier images of your child’s heart helps to show any changes in heart size and blood flow to the lungs.
Before a chest X-ray, it helps to explain to your child that there will be large equipment in the X-ray room. The technologist performing the X-ray will talk with you about the best way to work with your child during the test.