Efficacy of Routine Screening and Lateral Chest Radiographs in a Hospital-Based Population

Abstract

A prospective study of chest roentgenographic examinations was conducted to determine if the elimination of some examinations or films often routinely obtained might be medically and economically justifiable. Analysis of data from over 10,000 examinations suggests that routine screening chest radiographs, obtained solely because of hospital admission or scheduled surgery, are not warranted in patients under 20; the lateral projection, which can be eliminated from routine screening examinations in patients 20 to 39 years of age, should be part of the chest roentgenographic examination whenever chest disease or a reasonable possibility of chest disease is suspected, and in screening examinations of patients 40 years of age or older. (N Engl J Med 291:1001–1004, 1974)