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AbdominaI x-ray
An abdominal x-ray is an imaging test to look at organs and structures in the belly area. Organs include the spleen,
stomach, and intestines.
When the test is done to look at the bladder and kidney structures, it is called a KUB (kidneys, ureters, bladder) x-ray.
How the Test is Performed
The test is done in a hospital radiology department. Or it may done in the health care provider's office by an x-ray
technologist.
You lie on your back on the x-ray table. The x-ray machine is positioned over your abdominal area. You hold your
breath as the picture is taken so that the picture will not be blurry. You may be asked to change position to the side or
to stand up for additional pictures.
How to Prepare for the Test
Before having the x-ray, tell the health care provider the following:
f you are pregnant or think you could be pregnant
Have an UD inserted
Have had a barium contrast media x-ray in the last 4 days
f you have taken any medicines such as Pepto Bismol in the last 4 days (this type of medicine can interfere with
the x-ray)
You wear a hospital gown during the x-ray procedure. You must remove all jewelry. You must sign an informed consent
form.
How the Test WiII FeeI
There is no discomfort. The x-rays are taken as you lie on your back, side, and while standing.
Why the Test is Performed
Diagnose a pain in the abdomen or unexplained nausea
dentify suspected problems in the urinary system, such as a kidney stone
dentify blockage in the intestine
Locate an object that has been swallowed
NormaI ResuIts
The x-ray will show normal structures for a person your age.
What AbnormaI ResuIts Mean
Abnormal findings include:
Abdominal masses
Buildup of fluid in the abdomen
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Certain types of gallstones
Foreign object in the intestines
Hole in the stomach or intestines
njury to the abdominal tissue
ntestinal blockage
Kidney stones
The test may be performed for:
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Acute appendicitis
Acute cholecystitis
Acute kidney failure
Addison disease
Adenomyosis
Annular pancreas
Ascariasis
Atheroembolic renal disease
Biliary atresia
Blind loop syndrome
Cholangitis
Chronic renal failure
Cirrhosis
Echinococcus
Encopresis
Hirschsprung disease
diopathic aplastic anemia
njury of the kidney and ureter
ntussusception (children)
Necrotizing enterocolitis
Nephrocalcinosis
Peritonitis, spontaneous
Primary or idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction
Renal artery stenosis
Renal cell carcinoma
Secondary aplastic anemia
Toxic megacolon
Wilms tumor
Risks
There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation
exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits.
Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the x-ray. Women should tell the health care provider if
they are, or may be, pregnant.
Considerations
The test is not usually recommended for pregnant women. The ovaries and uterus cannot be shielded during the
abdominal x-ray because of their location.
Men should have a lead shield placed over the testes to protect against the radiation.
AIternative Names
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Abdominal film; X-ray - abdomen; Flat plate; KUB x-ray
References
Morrison . The plain abdominal radiograph and associated anatomy and techniques. n: Adam A, Dixon AK, eds.
Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical maging. 5th ed. New York, NY: Elsevier Churchill-
Livingstone; 2008:chap 29.
Update Date: 1/22/2013
Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of
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