A chest X-ray is a medical imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to create pictures of the structures inside the chest, including the heart, lungs, and bones. It helps doctors diagnose various conditions, such as infections, fractures, and tumors. The procedure is quick and typically takes only a few minutes. During a chest X-ray, the patient stands in front of a machine while a technician positions them correctly. The patient may be asked to take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds to get clear images. The results are usually available shortly after the test is completed.