Acute Abdomen Series
🩻
View 3 of 3

PA Chest

IMAGE RECEPTOR
Patient position
Supine, then upright (or left lateral decub if unable to stand).
Part position
Supine — MSP centered. Upright — wait 5 min for fluid levels to develop.
Central ray
Supine: iliac crest. Upright: 2 in above iliac crest (to include diaphragm).
IR placement
35x43 cm.

Tech pearls

  • Wait 5–10 min upright before exposure for free air to rise.
  • Left lateral decubitus substitutes for upright if patient cannot stand.
AP UprightSeries overview