PATIENT INFORMATION
Why have I been asked for a chest X-ray or lung test?
A chest X-ray or lung-function test may be useful when there is a clinical reason - for example significant respiratory symptoms, known lung disease or a procedure where the result could change management. Routine chest X-rays are not recommended for every surgical patient in many international guidelines.
India-specific ISA guidance for routine investigation in ASA I-II patients differs from NICE in some age and surgery categories. The exact test list may therefore legitimately vary between settings.
An abnormal result needs interpretation in your clinical context. Do not decide whether surgery is safe, or change treatment, solely from information on this website.