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Bladder] X-ray)
Procedure overview
tissues, bones, and organs on film. Standard X-rays are performed for many reasons,
X-rays are made by using external radiation to produce images of the body, its organs,
and other internal structures for diagnostic purposes. X-rays pass through body tissues
onto specially treated plates (similar to camera film) and a "negative" type picture is
made (the more solid a structure is, the whiter it appears on the film).
X-rays of the abdomen may be performed to assess the abdominal area for causes of
Abdominal X-rays may be taken with the patient in the upright position (erect
abdominal view), lying flat with the exposure made from above the patient (supine
abdominal view), or lying flat with the exposure made from the side of the patient
(cross-table lateral view). The left side-lying position (left lateral decubitus view) may
The supine abdominal view may be referred to as a KUB (kidney, ureter, and bladder)
film even when examining the gastrointestinal (GI) organs, because the X-ray study
used to examine the kidneys, ureter, and bladder is very similar to the supine
abdominal view.
Other related procedures that may be used to diagnose conditions of the abdomen
gallbladder, liver, or pancreas. Please see these procedures for additional information.
other procedures that evaluate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or urinary tract, such as
Basic information regarding the size, shape, and position of abdominal organs may be
gallbladder, kidneys, or ureters may be noted. Calcification of the aorta may also be
There may be other reasons for your doctor to recommend an abdominal X-ray.
Risks of the procedure
You may want to ask your doctor about the amount of radiation used during the
procedure and the risks related to your particular situation. It is a good idea to keep a
record of your past history of radiation exposure, such as previous scans and other
types of X-rays, so that you can inform your doctor. Risks associated with radiation
If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, you should notify your health
care provider. Radiation exposure during pregnancy may lead to birth defects.
There may be other risks depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to
Recent barium X-rays of the abdomen may interfere with the accuracy of an
abdominal X-ray.
Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and offer you the opportunity to
ask any questions that you might have about the procedure.
Notify the radiologic technologist if you are pregnant or suspect you may be
pregnant.
Notify your doctor and radiologic technologist if you have taken a medication
Based on your medical condition, your doctor may request other specific
preparation.
a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your doctor's
practices.
You will be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that might
If you are asked to remove clothing, you will be given a gown to wear.
You will be positioned in a manner that carefully places the part of the
abdomen to be X-rayed between the X-ray machine and a cassette containing the
X-ray film. You may be asked to stand erect, to lie flat on a table, or to lie on your
side on a table, depending on the X-ray view your doctor has requested. You may
Body parts not being imaged may be covered with a lead apron (shield) to
while the X-ray exposure is made. You may be asked to hold your breath at
made, as any movement may distort the image and even require another X-ray to
The radiologic technologist steps behind a protective window while the image
is taken.
While the X-ray procedure itself causes no pain, the manipulation of the body part
being examined may cause some discomfort or pain, particularly in the case of a
recent injury or invasive procedure such as surgery. The radiologic technologist will
use all possible comfort measures and complete the procedure as quickly as possible
your doctor may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure,
The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to
advice you receive from your doctor. Please consult your health care provider with
This page contains links to other websites with information about this procedure and
related health conditions. We hope you find these sites helpful, but please remember