The standard view of the chest is the posteroanterior radiograph, or "PA chest." Posteroanterior refers to the direction of the x-ray traversing the patient from posterior to anterior. This film is taken with the patient upright, in full inspiration (breathed in all the way), and the x-ray beam radiating horizontally 6 feet away from the film.
The anteroposterior (AP) chest radiograph is obtained with the x-ray traversing the patient from anterior to posterior, usually obtained with a portable x-ray machine from very sick patients, those unable to stand, and infants. Because portable x-ray units tend to be less powerful than regular units, AP radiographs are generally taken at shorter distance from the film compared to PA radiographs. The farther away the x-ray source is from the film, the sharper and less magnified the image.
I have a question about technique. Why is it that when taking a PA and lateral CHX you use about 120 kvp with 5 to 10 mAs (on a wall bucky) but when doing a AP or portable you use about 85 kvp with __ mAs? Is it due to not using a grid with a portal/CR room?
How much radiation is used getting a Chest X-ray (PA and Lateral).. getting surgery below the belt, Doctor has an order for this, I don't understand why.??