Abdominal X-Rays

Abdominal Film, KUB

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