Abdominal X-Rays

Overview & Description

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.