Abdominal X Rays

Abdominal X-rays are a series of X-rays taken to diagnose certain abdominal problems. A KUB is an abdominal X-ray that looks at the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.

Who is a candidate for the test?

Abdominal X-rays may be ordered if the healthcare provider suspects a problem involving the organs in the abdominal cavity. Common examples of these problems are:

abdominal pain

bowel obstruction

foreign object that has been swallowed

kidney disorder

mass or swelling

perforation, or hole, in the bowel

severe constipation or diarrhea

vomiting

How is the test performed?

X-rays are electromagnetic waves of energy that form a picture of bones or other tissues inside the body. The density of the tissue helps dictate how far the X-rays penetrate. Tiny amounts of radiation absorbed by the tissues produce various grades of black and white on X-ray film. An X-ray exam is painless.

When abdominal X-rays are taken, the X-rays may include the:

chest

flat abdomen, which is taken while lying down

upright abdomen, which is taken while standing

A person unable to stand may be asked to lie on his or her left side for one of the films.

What is involved in preparation for the test?

A person having an X-ray will completely undress and put on a hospital gown. Jewelry and other metal objects should be removed. The person will be asked the following questions:

if he or she can briefly hold a breath

if he or she has any metal objects in his or her body

if he or she has had a barium enema or upper GI series in the past 4 to 5 days

if he or she has taken any medicine with bismuth in it, such as Pepto-Bismol

when he or she last ate or had something to drink

A woman will also be asked if she might be pregnant. She may also be asked if she has an intrauterine device, or IUD.

What do the test results mean?

Abdominal X-rays can detect a wide variety of problems. Some common examples include:

abnormal masses

bowel obstruction

enlarged organs

fluid, such as blood or other body fluid, in the abdominal cavity

gallstones and kidney stones

perforation in the bowel

pneumonia, which could be the cause of abdominal symptoms