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Chest X-ray for children
child chest X-ray · pediatric chest X-ray · kids' lung X-ray
An X-ray of your child's chest. It shows the lungs and heart.
For a long-lasting cough, a high fever and possible pneumonia, or to check after treatment.
⏱ Duration: usually 5 to 10 minutes in the room; the report the same day
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Prep. None needed. You can eat and drink.
- Talk. Tell your child ahead of time: there will be a big camera, it will not hurt, and they need to stand still and hold their breath.
- Clothing. A T-shirt with no metal prints or rhinestones. Take off necklaces and hair clips.
What to bring
- The referral
- Past chest X-rays, if you have them
- A toy for a young child
How it goes
- Your child undresses to the waist
- Older children stand with their chest to the screen. Babies are imaged lying or sitting
- You may be given a protective apron and asked to hold your child
- Your child is asked to take a deep breath and hold it for a couple of seconds
- The image takes a fraction of a second
What you'll feel
- It does not hurt
- The screen may feel cool
- Babies sometimes cry because they are held. It is quick
Afterwards
- Your child can get dressed and go home right away
- Take the image and report to your pediatrician
Common questions
Is the radiation harmful for my child?
The dose is very small. If your pediatrician ordered the X-ray, the benefit outweighs the risk.
Can a parent stay in the room?
Usually yes, in a protective apron. If you are pregnant, another adult should go.