Standard routine projections for the thorax.
Patient Prep: Remove all opaque objects from chest and neck region (necklaces, bras with underwire).
Position: Patient erect, facing the IR. Shoulders rolled forward to remove scapulae from lung fields.
Centering Point (CR): Perpendicular to IR, centered to T7 (inferior angle of scapulae).
Collimation: Include lung apices to costophrenic angles, and lateral rib margins.
Respiration: Exposure made on end of second full inspiration.
AP Supine/Semi-Erect: If patient cannot stand, perform AP. Note that heart will appear magnified. Angle tube to be perpendicular to the sternum to prevent lordotic appearance.
ALARA: Strict collimation required. Use shortest exposure time possible to prevent motion blur. Shielding applied per department protocol. Depending on age, a Pigg-O-Stat or immobilization may be necessary.