An X-ray is a kind of electromagnetic wave or radiation that is used for medical imaging. It is a quick and painless procedure that is performed to create various images of the structures within the body, particularly, the bones. An X-ray test is a very effective way to view the bones and can be used to help detect numerous health conditions such as fractures and infections, arthritis, osteoporosis, tooth infection and decay, lung infections, bone or breast cancer, digestive tract abnormalities, and more.

The chest X-ray is the most common type of X-ray test that is usually taken from the back to the front and helps reveal various abnormalities that cannot be detected during a physical examination. It provides an image of the organs and structures within the chest that include the heart, lungs, blood vessels and the muscles below the lungs.