How many months should be the interval between chest x-rays?

Question

I just had an x-ray last June 13, when is the earliest time that I can have my next one?

Answer 1

It depends on the reason for you to have repeated chest X-rays.

For example, if you were in the Intensive Care Unit you might get a chest x-ray every day, or even more frequently if there was a lot of dynamic things happening that a chest x-ray would show.

On the respiratory ward if you had a pneumothorax, for instance, you might get a repeat x-ray in an hour after aspiration of the pneumothorax... then 4 hours and then the following day.

If you were requiring chest x-rays to monitor the resolution of a lung infection or to see if your cancer therapy is working you might get x-rays on a weekly basis.

If you were being screened for TB or other diseases, they might not want to do an x-ray on you for many months.

I personally haven't had any of the above and have had a chest x-ray for years. I hope to keep it that way!

Answer 2

It depends on the reason for the tests. If it is a routine physical, once a year is plenty. If there is a condition that is being monitored, then the doctor sets the schedule. If a chest xray is required for a job, and one has been done in the last year, ask for it to be forwarded.

Answer 3

You can have your xray taken anytime, this depending on your physician's orders. IN fact, you can have as many as 8 to 10 a day. The radiation that you are supposed to receive is a controlled one, meaning very minimal and the chances of you catching a disease due to xray is very slim, otherwise, doctors worlwide would not request several "views" of xray in a day.

Answer 4

I've ordered them within minutes of each other. The answer depends entirely on the risk/benefit ratio. You can't ignore even the small amounts of radiation involved, but if you need it, you need it.