What is an abdominal X-ray?
A doctor can evaluate any possible problems with the intestines, stomach, and abdominal region with the aid of an abdominal X-ray. This test may be carried out by the doctor to identify a specific disease, such as kidney stones. Your doctor might request a KUB X-ray, a type of abdominal X-ray that concentrates on the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, instead of an X-ray of the whole abdomen. A person is generally given a tiny amount of ionising radiation to obtain the images of the internal structure of their body. Various positions can be used to obtain abdominal X-rays, including:
- Standing in a straight position
- Laying horizontal (the images are taken from above)
- Standing in a vertical position (the images are taken from the front)
If a person is unable to stand up, they can lie on their left side and images can be taken from their left side.
This page provides the information about abdominal X-rays along with their uses, interpretations, potential risks, and some additional information.
Common uses of abdominal X-ray
Abdominal X-ray is performed to:
- Examine the source of any stomach discomfort, bloating, or persistent sickness and vomiting.
- Identify the source of the lower back discomfort on both sides of the spine (flank pain).
The size, structure, and location of the spleen, liver, and kidneys can be seen on an abdominal X-ray.
- Check for kidney, liver, ureter, as well as bladder stones.
- Look for air present outside the intestines.
- Find an item that has been ingested or placed inside a bodily cavity.
Abdominal X-ray can also be performed to evaluate some health conditions, such as:
- Appendicitis
- Pancreatitis
- Addison’s disease
- Ascariasis
- Anaemia
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Necrotizing enterocolitis
- Toxic megacolon
- Nephrocalcinosis
Necessary preparation before an abdominal X-ray
There is no specific preparation required for an abdominal X-ray. For the test, you might have to take some of your clothes off and wear a gown. Take off any jewellery, portable dental devices, spectacles, or other metal items or garments that could obstruct the X-ray pictures. If you have recently taken any medications, such as an antacid, or if you have undergone an X-ray with barium sulphate as the contrast material, you should let your doctor know as they might be incompatible with the X-ray. Before the exam, you might be instructed to empty your bladder.
If a woman has an intrauterine gadget implanted for avoiding pregnancy, she should let her doctor as well as the x-ray technologist, a person who has received specialised training to conduct radiology exams, know about this. Women should always disclose any potential pregnancy to their doctor and the X-ray technician. Pregnant women are typically not given an abdominal radiography to protect the unborn child from radiation exposure. Due to their position, the uterus and ovaries cannot be protected during the abdominal radiography.
What happens during an Abdominal X-ray?
Abdominal X-rays are taken in both ways, as an outpatient procedure and as a part of your hospital stay. Depending on your situation, different tests and procedures might be used.
For abdominal X-rays, you will need to follow these steps:
- Any jewellery, clothing, or other items that might obstruct the process ought to be taken off.
- You will be provided with a gown to put on if you are required to take off your clothes.
- You will be positioned in a manner such that the area of your abdomen or belly that needs to be X-rayed is between the X-ray device and the film. Based on the X-ray view your doctor has requested, you might be instructed to stand up, lay horizontally on a table, or rest on your side (left or right) on a table. X-rays may be obtained from various angles.
- To reduce X-ray exposure to body areas not being examined, an apron made of lead or a shield may be used.
- You will be requested to remain motionless for a brief period whilst the X-ray is captured after you are in position. At various stages during the X-ray, you might be instructed to hold your breath. While the X-ray is being taken, it’s crucial to maintain complete immobility. Any movement could change the picture and even demand a different X-ray to be taken.
- While the picture is being taken, the radiologic technician is behind a safety window.
Benefits of an abdominal X-ray
A painless, non-invasive process such as abdominal X-ray imaging has very few risks. It is frequently possible to prevent invasive treatments by using the data obtained from radiology exams. Emergency rooms, physician’s offices, ambulatory care facilities, care homes, and other places generally have access to affordable abdominal X-ray equipment making the access to X-ray exams easy for doctors and patients. Abdominal X-ray imaging is especially helpful for quick and simple diagnosis and therapy in emergencies. When you have an abdominal X-ray scan, no radiation remains in your body.
Risks associated with abdominal X-ray
The quantity of radiation used throughout the procedure is something you might want to discuss with your healthcare provider. Additionally, enquire about risks that are specific to your situation. It’s a good idea to keep track of your radiation exposure, including any prior X-rays and other tests. The frequency of X-ray examinations or procedures over time may be a factor in the risks associated with radiation exposure.
Inform your healthcare practitioner if you are pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant. Radiation exposure during pregnancy may result in birth abnormalities. Depending on your particular medical condition, there might be more risks. Before the procedure, discuss the concerns you may have with your healthcare practitioner. The precision of an abdominal X-ray may be impacted by previous X-rays of the abdomen or belly involving a barium exposure.
Limitations of an abdominal X-ray
An effective first step in the imaging diagnosis is an abdominal X-ray. The pictures are not as clear as those produced by other methods, such as abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To better understand the findings of an abdominal X-ray or to search for abnormalities that the abdominal X-ray neglected, additional imaging tests may be required. Abdominal X-rays aren’t considered safe for pregnant women as the X-rays might interfere with the unborn child.
