Abdominal X-Rays
Alternate Names : Abdominal Film, KUB
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.
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