Chest radiography in the emergency department.

A review of the medical literature was carried out to determine guidelines for cost-effective and safe use of chest radiography in the emergency department. Screening radiographs are indicated in specific populations in the search for occult tuberculosis or carcinoma and in routine or preoperative cases. Radiography is clinically indicated in the asthmatic patient, the elderly patient, and the symptomatic patient, and its indications are modified by the patient's age and presenting signs and symptoms. Based on the information reviewed, rational guidelines for the use of chest radiography are presented.