Medical Health Tests
Abdominal X-ray
Reasons, Procedure & Preparation Required For an Abdominal X-Ray
Submitted on March 27, 2012
What is an Abdominal X-Ray?
It is an image of the organs and structures in the abdomen, which includes the diaphragm, small and large intestines, spleen, liver, and stomach. If the X-ray test is being done to find out problems in the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, then the test is known as KUB abdominal X-ray. X-rays are radio waves or a form of radiation that can pass through the human body.
An abdominal X-ray like abdominal X-ray constipation or abdominal X-ray bowel obstruction is done to find out the cause of vomiting, nausea, swelling or belly pain.
Reason Why It is Conducted
This kind of X-ray is generally done to -
- Find out why a patient is vomiting, has nausea, inflammation or pain due to some problem in the stomach.
- Look for the reason behind pain in the lower back or the spine.
- Look for stones in the bladder, ureters, kidneys, and gallbladder.
- Look for an object that may have been placed inside the body cavity or has been swallowed.
- To confirm if the doctor has placed the tubes for some treatment correctly.
Preparation
You must discuss certain points with your doctor before you have an X-ray. You must tell your physician if -
- You are pregnant. This sort of X-ray is generally not done for pregnant women because the baby might get exposed to radiation.
- Have had medicines in the recent past that contained bismuth.
- Have had an X-ray that used barium contrast material.
You will be asked to take off your jewelry and empty your bladder before the X-ray is done. You can ask your doctor questions about the procedure or address any of your concerns.
Procedure
Abdominal series X-ray is generally done by a radiology technologist, and the images are read and interpreted by a radiologist.
- You might be asked to change into a hospital gown for the test.
- Once you are lying on your back on the table, a lead apron will cover your lower pelvic area. This is a protecting cover so that the rays do not harm the internal organs in the pelvis.
- Then the X-ray machine is positioned and placed over the abdomen and you will need to hold your breath while the pictures are taken.
- The whole procedure can take about five to ten minutes.