Frontal chest X-ray, with a side view added if needed
Chest X-Ray in Casablanca
A chest X-ray is an X-ray image of the chest. It shows the lungs, the heart and the ribs. It is often the first exam for a cough, fever or shortness of breath, and it is part of some health checkups. For example, it can reveal pneumonia, fluid around the lung or an enlarged heart. For a visa to the United States or Canada, a separate page describes the exam requested by the panel physician.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
A few minutes are enough.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
Carestream
Reading aid
The center uses Gleamer, artificial intelligence software that helps the radiologist read X-rays. Interpretation and the report are still done by the radiologist.
When is this exam needed?
- Persistent cough, fever or coughing up phlegm.
- Shortness of breath or chest pain.
- Monitoring of a lung or heart disease.
- Checkup before surgery, a new job or enrolling in studies.
- Follow-up after a treated lung infection, depending on the doctor.
- Looking for signs of tuberculosis, or monitoring of an exposed person.
How the exam is done
On arrival, you hand the prescription to the reception desk, then the radiographer takes you to the changing room. You remove your top, including chains, as well as your bra if it has hooks or an underwire.
With your upper body bare and no jewelry, you stand facing the plate. The radiographer positions your arms to move your shoulder blades away from your lungs. At the signal, you take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds. A side view may follow, with your arms raised. The exposure is instant and painless. The radiographer checks the image on the screen, then you get dressed and leave with no special instructions.
Preparation
- Avoid necklaces and clothes with metal buttons.
- Tie up long hair or braids.
- Choose a simple top that is easy to remove, without rhinestones or metallic patterns.
- Remember your previous chest X-rays: comparing helps assess an image.
Fasting
No fasting: you eat and drink as usual.
Contrast injection
No contrast agent is needed.
Contraindications and precautions
- Current or possible pregnancy: please tell us; the doctor decides whether the exam can wait.
- Difficulty raising your arms or standing: let the radiographer know.
- Patch, electrodes or dressing on the chest: tell us about them, as they may appear on the image.
- Pacemaker or implanted port: they do not interfere with the exam, but mention them.
Documents to bring
- Prescription or request from the doctor
- Previous chest X-rays
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Why hold your breath?
With the lungs full of air, the chest expands and the diaphragm moves down. The image is sharper, with no motion blur.
Is a side view always needed?
No. The front view is often enough; the side view is added depending on the question, for example to locate an abnormality.
Can this X-ray show everything?
No. Small lesions can go unnoticed. If needed, your doctor may request a chest CT scan, which is more precise.
Can it be done while breastfeeding?
Yes, an X-ray without contrast agent has no effect on breast milk. You can breastfeed normally before and after.
Is a chest X-ray dangerous?
It delivers little radiation, and the beam targets only the chest. It is done only when it is useful; always tell us about a possible pregnancy.
Can it be done as an emergency?
Yes. During opening hours, the center can perform a chest X-ray prescribed as an emergency, for example for fever with a cough. Sudden shortness of breath or severe chest pain require going to the emergency department first.