Abdominal X-Rays

Preparation & Expectations

What is involved in preparation for the test?

A person having an X-ray will completely undress and put on a hospital gown. Jewelry and other metal objects should be removed. The person will be asked the following questions:

  • if he or she can briefly hold a breath
  • if he or she has any metal objects in his or her body
  • if he or she has had a barium enema or upper GI series in the past 4 to 5 days
  • if he or she has taken any medicine with bismuth in it, such as Pepto-Bismol
  • when he or she last ate or had something to drink

    • A woman will also be asked if she might be pregnant. She may also be asked if she has an intrauterine device, or IUD.