Abdominal film

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Digestive system

X-ray

Abdominal films are x-ray images of the abdomen.

Abdominal x-ray; X-ray - abdomen; Flat plate; KUB

The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an x-ray technologist. You lie on your back on the x-ray table. The x-ray machine is positioned over your abdominal area. You hold your breath as the picture is taken so that the picture will not be blurry. You may be asked to change position to the side or to stand up for additional pictures.

Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant, have an IUD inserted, or have had a barium contrast media x-ray in the last 4 days.

If you have taken any medications such as Pepto Bismol (which contains bismuth) within 4 days mention it to the health care provider, because they may interfere with the test.

You wear a hospital gown during the x-ray procedure. You must remove all jewelry. You must sign an informed consent form.

For infants and children:

The preparation you can provide for this procedure depends on your child's age and previous experiences. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:

• infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

There is no discomfort. The films are taken with you lying on your back, side, and while standing.

The abdominal x-ray can help identify suspected problems in the urinary system such as a kidney stone or a blockage in the intestine. The x-ray can locate an object that has been swallowed. The x-ray may also help in diagnosing a pain in the abdomen or unexplained nausea.

Review Date: 05/17/2005
Reviewed By: Nikheel S. Kolatkar, MD, Clinical and Research Fellow, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.