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Abdominal Film - Abdominal X-Rays
Overview & Description
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:
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:
Preparation & Expectations
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:
A woman will also be asked if she might be pregnant. She may also be asked if she has an intrauterine device, or IUD.
Results and Values
What do the test results mean?
Abdominal X-rays can detect a wide variety of problems. Some common examples include:
Attribution
Author:James Compton, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Crist, Gayle P., MS, BA
Edit Date:05/31/01
Reviewer:Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed:04/28/01