X - Ray Abdomen

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Depending on the area to be imaged, you may be asked to wear a hospital gown at the time of the scan.
You may have to remove your jewelry and any metal objects which might interfere with the image.
Pregnant women should inform their doctor (and x-ray technician) as the radiations may affect the fetus. If needed, precautions can be taken to lower the radiation exposure to the fetus.

Understanding X - Ray Abdomen

What is X - Ray Abdomen?

An X-ray of the abdomen is a safe and painless test to visualise the organs of the abdomen which includes the stomach, intestine, gall bladder, base of the lungs, liver and spleen. When it is specifically used to visualise the kidney, ureter and bladder, it is called KUB X-ray. The image is recorded on a special X-ray film. The X-ray image is black and white. Dense structures such as the bones, appear white and softer body tissues, such as the skin and muscles appear darker. The actual exposure time to radiation is usually less than a second, although the overall test may take 15-20 minutes.

What is X - Ray Abdomen used for?

To diagnose the cause of any stomach (abdominal) pain or tenderness
To diagnose any suspected perforation of the stomach
To look for the signs of intestinal obstruction (blockade)
To diagnose the presence of any accidentally ingested foreign body
To look for suspected gall stones or kidney stones
To look for signs of calcification of aorta or abdominal aortic aneurysm (enlargement of lower part of aorta)

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about X - Ray Abdomen

Frequently Asked Questions about X - Ray Abdomen

Q. What are the drawbacks of a bone X-ray?

X-ray images give a very clear view of the bones. However, it does not provide a good visual image of the soft tissues like tendons, muscles or fat tissue under the skin. Even the bone microfractures or complicated spine injuries are not clearly visible on the X Ray images. Apart from this, it also exposes the patient to some amount of radiations but the benefit of the information gained from an X-ray image outweighs the risk of radiations.

Q. Who interprets the X-ray results?

The interpretation of an X-Ray image is carried out by a radiologist who analyses or reads the X-ray image and prepares a report of the findings which is shared with the patient.