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What Is an Abdominal X-Ray?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

An abdominal x-ray is a medical imaging study of the structures in the abdomen. This is a very common medical test used to find out more about the origins of symptoms like constipation, nausea, vomiting, and intense abdominal pain. Care providers may request views from several angles to get a comprehensive picture of the abdominal contents, depending on what they are looking for. The test itself is painless and noninvasive, although it does expose patients to radiation and receiving large numbers of x-rays in a short time period could be a cause for concern.

Using an abdominal x-ray, a care provider can get images of the stomach and attached intestines along with the liver, spleen, diaphragm, bladder, and kidneys. A special test known as a KUB for Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder may be requested to track down problems related to the urinary tract. Classically, the image is taken with the patient in a supine position, lying flat on the x-ray table. The doctor can also request pictures taken from the side or while the patient is standing.

An abdominal x-ray may be performed to determine the cause of abdominal pain.
An abdominal x-ray may be performed to determine the cause of abdominal pain.

The dose of radiation with an abdominal x-ray can be high to penetrate all the structures. It is important for patients to wear a gown during the test so that nothing on the clothing interferes with the image. They also need to remove jewelery, and should alert the radiologist to any implanted medical devices or other objects that might be inside their bodies. Patients who have recently had a barium swallow may also want to discuss this, as it could interfere with the findings of the x-ray.

Doctors may request x-rays from several different angles so they can get a full picture of the abdomen.
Doctors may request x-rays from several different angles so they can get a full picture of the abdomen.

When a medical professional requests an abdominal x-ray, the patient can ask why the test is being ordered and get information on what to expect from the test. A radiology technician will perform the actual testing, getting the patient set up in an x-ray suite and running the equipment. Patients may wear lead shielding on other parts of their bodies to limit radiation exposure. Technicians may ask a series of questions to screen for risks before performing the test. Pregnancy in particular is a concern that may lead to a recommendation to delay the test, if at all possible.

An abdominal X-ray can get images of any of the organs in the abdomen.
An abdominal X-ray can get images of any of the organs in the abdomen.

If the abdominal x-ray findings are normal, there is nothing in the images to explain the patient’s symptoms. Sometimes they may be inconclusive due to poor image quality, a quirk of angle, or other issues. The technician may take another x-ray or use a different imaging technique to get a picture for clarification. In other cases, the findings are conclusive; the care provider may identify an obstruction, for example. With these findings, it is possible to develop a treatment plan to address the problem.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • An abdominal x-ray may be performed to determine the cause of abdominal pain.
      By: jedi-master
      An abdominal x-ray may be performed to determine the cause of abdominal pain.
    • Doctors may request x-rays from several different angles so they can get a full picture of the abdomen.
      By: Rido
      Doctors may request x-rays from several different angles so they can get a full picture of the abdomen.
    • An abdominal X-ray can get images of any of the organs in the abdomen.
      By: alkerk
      An abdominal X-ray can get images of any of the organs in the abdomen.