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.
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 paina bowel obstructiona foreign object that has been swalloweda kidney disordera mass or swellinga perforation, or hole, in the bowelsevere constipation or diarrheavomiting
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: chestflat abdomen, which is taken while lying downupright 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.
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 bodyif he or she has had a barium enema or upper GI series X-ray in the past 4 to 5 daysif he or she has taken any medicine with bismuth in it, such as Pepto-Bismolwhen 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 (IUD).
Abdominal X-rays can detect a wide variety of problems. Some common examples include: abnormal massesa bowel obstructionenlarged organsfluid, such as blood or other body fluid, in the abdominal cavitygallstones and kidney stonesa perforation in the bowelpneumonia, which could be the cause of abdominal symptoms
