How to help children to have a chest x ray exam

      Preparation
      A chest X-ray doesn't require any special preparation. Your child may be asked to remove all clothing and jewelry from the waist up and change into a hospital gown because buttons, zippers, clasps, or jewelry might interfere with the image.


      Procedure
      Although the procedure may take 15 minutes or longer from start to the end, the actual exposure time to radiation is usually less than half a second.


      Your child will be asked to enter a special room that will most likely contain a table and a large X-ray machine. Parents are usually able to accompany their child to provide reassurance and support.


     A chest X-ray may be performed in a standing, sitting, or lying position. This will depend on the condition of your child and the reason for the X-ray. The technician will position your child, then step behind a wall or to an adjoining room to operate the machine. Older kids will be asked to hold their breath and remain still for 2-3 seconds while the X-ray is taken; infants may require gentle restraint. Keeping the chest still is important to prevent blurring of the X-ray image. Two X-rays are usually taken, one from the back and one from the side.


      If your child is in the hospital and cannot easily be brought to the radiology department, a mobile X-ray machine can be brought to your child's bedside. Mobile X-ray machine are often used in emergency departments, intensive care units, or operating rooms.