X-ray of the thorax (chest) – PA + lateral

A referral from a doctor is required to take the test.

An X-ray is a type of electromagnetic wave that penetrates any obstacles in its way. Once the X-ray source is directed at the appropriate part of the body, a beam of rays is emitted, penetrating the skin, internal organs and bones. The particular parts of the body manifest different X-ray absorption degrees. Bones, due to their high density, absorb more radiation than soft tissues (the liver, the kidneys). On the other hand, muscles, the adipose (fatty) tissues and internal organs allow free penetration of the X-rays. As a result, areas of higher density are visualised as light objects, soft tissues as dark/grey, whereas air – as black. Radiological examinations are used to diagnose numerous diseases. An X-ray scan of the thorax makes it possible to assess such structures as the respiratory tract, the diaphragm, the lungs, the ribs, the heart, the spine, the pulmonary arteries and the aorta. The “PA+ lateral” designation means that the examination will be performed in two positions: the posterior-anterior, where the X-ray permeates through the patient’s back towards the front part of the chest, and the lateral one, with the patient standing sideways to the X-ray machine..

Indications for an X-ray scan of the thorax (chest):

1. Occurrence of such symptoms as:

• Chest pain
• Chest injury
• Dyspnoea
• Persistent coughing
• Bleeding from the oesophagus while coughing

• As a preventive examination:

• Upon individuals working in harmful conditions, e.g. employed in dusty environments

• The examination is useful in the diagnosis of numerous diseases and the assessment of treatment effectiveness in a number of medical fields, including family medicine, pulmonology and cardiology:

• Lung cancers
• Emphysema
• Pneumonia
• Tuberculosis
• Ischaemic heart disease
• Cardiac insufficiency (heart failure)
• Endocarditis.

Preparation for an X-ray scan of the thorax (chest):

A referral from a doctor is required to take the test.

1. It is necessary to have a medical prescription for the examination containing:

• an indication of the entity issuing the prescription,
• the patient’s personal data (name and surname, date of birth, sex, PESEL, address and place of residence),
• in the event where the patient is a minor, a fully incapacitated person or a person incapable of giving consent – the name (names) and surname of the statutory representative and the address of his/her place of residence,
• purpose of and grounds for the examination,
• preliminary clinical diagnosis for the performance of a medical radiological procedure,
• the signature and stamp of the person prescribing the test / examination or procedure.

• It is necessary to bring any previous test / examination results, if such examinations were previously performed.
• It is not recommended to perform X-ray scans during pregnancy. Where it is necessary, special measures are undertaken to provide the patient with the maximum of protection.

A referral from a doctor is required to take the test.

There is no need to schedule an X-ray examination for a specific day. All the patient needs to do is come to the X-ray unit within the appropriate hours provided below:

Check for changes:

• Medical Center Wałbrzyska 46
• Medical Center Foksal 3/5

You should report to the X-ray laboratory at least 30-40 minutes before the end of the laboratory's work.