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Abdominal X-Ray

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Test Overview

An abdominal X-rayX-ray is a picture of structures and organsorgans in the belly (abdomen). This includes the stomach, liver, spleen, and large and small intestines. It also includes the diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates the chest and belly areas. Often two X-rays will be taken from different positions. If the test is being done to look for certain problems of the kidneys or bladder, it is often called a KUB (for kidneys, ureters, and bladderkidneys, ureters, and bladder).

An abdominal X-ray may be one of the first tests done to find a cause of belly pain, swelling, nausea, or vomiting. And other tests (such as ultrasoundultrasound, CT scanCT scan, MRIMRI, or intravenous pyelographyintravenous pyelography) may be used to look for more specific problems.

Why It Is Done

An abdominal X-ray is done to:

Look for a cause of pain or swelling in the belly or ongoing nausea and vomiting.
Find a cause of pain in the lower back on either side of the spine (flank pain). An abdominal X-ray can show the size, shape, and position of the liver, spleen, and kidneys.
Look for stones in the gallbladdergallbladder, kidneyskidneys, uretersureters, or bladderbladder.
Look for air outside of the bowel (intestines).
Find an object that has been swallowed or put into a body cavity.
Confirm the proper position of tubes used by your doctor in your treatment, such as a tube to drain the stomach (nasogastric tube), a feeding tube in the stomach, a tube to drain the kidney (nephrostomy tube), a catheter used for dialysis, a shunt to drain fluid from the brain into the stomach (V-P shunt), or other drainage tubes or catheters.

How To Prepare

How It Is Done

You may be asked to empty your bladder before the test. You may need to take off any jewelry that may be in the way of the X-ray picture, such as if you have a pierced belly button.

You may need to take off all or most of your clothes. You will be given a gown to use during the test.

You will lie on your back on a table. A lead apron may be placed over your lower pelvic area to protect it from the X-ray.

After the X-ray machine is positioned over your belly, you will be asked to hold your breath while the X-ray pictures are taken. You need to lie very still so the pictures are clear.

Often two pictures are taken: one while you are lying down (supine) and the other one while you are standing (erect view). If you are not able to stand, the X-ray may be taken while you lie on your side with your arm over your head.

How long the test takes

An abdominal X-ray takes about 5 to 10 minutes. You will be asked to wait about 5 minutes while the X-rays are developed, in case more pictures need to be taken. In some clinics and hospitals, X-ray pictures can be made right away on a computer screen (digitally).

How It Feels

Risks

There is always a slight chance of damage to cells or tissue from radiation, including the low levels of radiation used for this test. But the chance of damage from the X-rays is extremely low. It is not a reason to avoid the test.

An abdominal X-ray is not usually done during pregnancy. Often an abdominal ultrasound is done instead.

Results

In an emergency, the results of an abdominal X-ray are ready in a few minutes. Otherwise, a radiologistradiologist usually has the official X-ray report ready the next day.

Abdominal X-ray
Normal:	The pictures made by the X-rays show that the stomach, small and large bowel, liver, spleen, kidneys, and bladder are normal in size, shape, and location.
Normal:	No growths, abnormal amounts of fluid (ascitesascites), or foreign objects are seen. Normal amounts of air and fluid are seen in the intestines. Normal amounts of stool are seen in the large intestine.
Abnormal:	A blocked intestineblocked intestine may be seen because a portion of the intestine is larger than usual or areas in the intestine have abnormal amounts of air or fluid in them.
	A collection of air inside the belly cavity but outside the intestines (caused by a hole in the stomach or intestines) may be seen.
	The walls of the intestines may look abnormal or thick.
	The size, shape, or location of the bladder or kidneys may be abnormal. Kidney stones may be seen in the kidney, ureters, bladder, or urethra.
	In some cases, gallstonesgallstones can be seen on an abdominal X-ray.
	Abnormal growths, such as large tumors, or ascites may be seen.
	A foreign object is seen or a medical device looks abnormal or out of position.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffIgnite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review BoardClinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of UseTerms of Use. Learn how we develop our contenthow we develop our content.

To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.comwebmdignite.com.

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