X-ray of the thoracic spine AP + lateral (adults)

It is performed in order to identify possible vertebral abnormalities, and to detect such lesions as ankylosing spondylitis, displacement of intervertebral discs (spondylolisthesis), osteoporosis, and stress lesions. It also enables to evaluate postural defects (e.g. scoliosis, excessive thoracic hyperkyphosis), and degenerative, post-traumatic and neoplastic lesions.

NOTE! Patients who have an X-ray referral obtained outside Medicover must always present it in hard copy. Patients who have been referred to an X-ray after an inpatient visit at Medicover must present the referral in hard copy or ask the reception desk to have the referral printed. Patients who have had a telemedical consultation at Medicover have to inform the reception desk that the referral has been issued in electronic form.

An X-ray is a quick and painless procedure that requires no particular preparation. Beforehand, you need to undress from the waist up, and remove all jewellery from your head and neck. Depending on the referral and diagnosis, the test is performed in the appropriate position.

NOTE! Patients who have an X-ray referral obtained outside Medicover must always present it in hard copy. Patients who have been referred to an X-ray after an inpatient visit at Medicover must present the referral in hard copy or ask the reception desk to have the referral printed. Patients who have had a telemedical consultation at Medicover have to inform the reception desk that the referral has been issued in electronic form:

The referral should include the following:

• the name of the facility that issued the referral,
• patient’s data (first name and surname, date of birth, sex, PESEL number, address and place of residence),
• if the patient is a minor, completely incapacitated or unable to give informed consent: first name(s) and surname of the patient’s legal representative and his/her address of residence,
• purpose of and reason for the X-ray,
• preliminary clinical diagnosis justifying the radiological procedure,
• signature and stamp of the person referring the patient for the X-ray or procedure.

Bring previous test results (if any).

Contraindications to X-ray

X-ray should not be performed in pregnant women. However, if it is necessary, appropriate measures will be taken to ensure the maximum protection of the pregnant patient.

Every X-ray in women of childbearing age should be performed in the first 12 days of the cycle (unless the doctor decides otherwise) in order to exclude the risk of complications in the case of a possible pregnancy.

Arrive 15 minutes before your visit.

NOTE! Patients who have an X-ray referral obtained outside Medicover must always present it in hard copy. Patients who have been referred to an X-ray after an inpatient visit at Medicover must present the referral in hard copy or ask the reception desk to have the referral printed. Patients who have had a telemedical consultation at Medicover have to inform the reception desk that the referral has been issued in electronic form.

The patient can receive a CD with an X-ray image if they request it before the appointment. The examination report is available on Medicover Online. The patient can also collect the report in paper form at a selected Medical Center—this requires submitting a request at the reception. The report is usually provided within 3-6 business days; however, in cases of a high number of images requiring description, delays in delivering the results may occur.