Do I need to fast for a chest X-ray?

Judging from the results of clinical examinations, the purpose of chest X-ray is to check whether the patient's lungs, organs, heart and other organs have any lesions, so it will not be affected even if the patient has eaten, and there is no need to deliberately fast for the examination. Chest X-ray is a routine examination that can more accurately detect existing diseases in patients, but pregnant women must stay away from this type of examination, otherwise it will cause great harm to the fetus.

1. Do I need to be on an empty stomach for a chest X-ray?

A chest X-ray is mainly used to check whether there are organic lesions in the lungs, trachea and heart. It has nothing to do with eating, so there is no need to fast.

2. The role of chest X-ray

Chest X-rays are often used to examine diseases of the thorax (including ribs, thoracic vertebrae, soft tissue, etc.), chest cavity, lung tissue, mediastinum, heart, etc. Such as pneumonia, tumor, fracture, pneumothorax, cor pulmonale, and heart disease.

3. Chest X-ray is simple and useful

A chest X-ray, commonly known as a "chest radiograph," is also listed as one of the examination items in a routine physical examination. The advantages of X-ray photography, such as speed, simplicity and economy, are becoming increasingly prominent, making it the preferred choice for chest examinations.

Characteristics of chest X-rays: Chest X-rays can clearly record gross lesions of the lungs, such as lung inflammation, masses, tuberculosis, etc. X-rays use the different densities of human tissue to observe lesions in areas with smaller differences in thickness and density. Compared with chest fluoroscopy, chest X-rays have clearer images and can detect subtle lesions; the objective record of imaging data is conducive to the review and comparison of disease diagnosis and treatment; and the radiation dose received by patients during fluoroscopy is also relatively larger.

Although the examination is good, it is an indisputable fact that excessive radiation is harmful to the human body, and X-rays are a double-edged sword for human health. According to the standards set by the International Commission on Radiological Protection, the total radiation risk is 0.0165/Sievert, while a chest X-ray takes less than half a second and the exposure rate is about 0.045 millisievert/second (1 sievert = 1000 millisievert), which poses a very limited health risk to the public. However, the gonads, eye lenses, breasts and thyroid glands in the human body are particularly sensitive to radiation, and too frequent examinations are not beneficial.

Note: ① Special groups, including infants, young children, and pregnant women (especially within the first three months of pregnancy), should undergo X-ray examinations with caution and take necessary protective measures. ②Except the inspector, other personnel should not stay in the inspection room for a long time. ③ Do not put coins or mobile phones in the chest pocket of the examiner; remove necklaces, mascots and other accessories from the neck; female patients should take off bras with metal supports and dresses with snap buttons. ④ Bring the most recent imaging data with you to the follow-up visit so that the doctor can diagnose and treat you based on your condition.