No growths, abnormal amounts of fluid ascites , or foreign objects are seen. Normal amounts of air and fluid are seen in the intestines. Normal amounts of stool are seen in the large intestine. A blocked intestine may be seen because a portion of the intestine is larger than usual or areas in the intestine have abnormal amounts of air or fluid in them.
A collection of air inside the belly cavity but outside the intestines caused by a hole in the stomach or intestines may be seen. The size, shape, or location of the bladder or kidneys may be abnormal.
Kidney stones may be seen in the kidney, ureters, bladder, or urethra. In some cases, gallstones can be seen on an abdominal X-ray. Current as of: September 23, Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.
Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Updated visitor guidelines. You are here Home » Abdominal X-Ray. Top of the page. Test Overview An abdominal X-ray is a picture of structures and organs in the belly abdomen. Why It Is Done An abdominal X-ray is done to: Look for a cause of pain or swelling in the belly or ongoing nausea and vomiting.
Find a cause of pain in the lower back on either side of the spine flank pain. An abdominal X-ray can show the size, shape, and position of the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Look for stones in the gallbladder , kidneys , ureters , or bladder. A guardian can usually accompany the child into the x-ray room. The guardian will be asked to wear a lead apron to protect certain parts of his or her body. A lead shield may also be used to protect their child's reproductive organs as much as possible from radiation exposure.
Children in the hospital who cannot be brought to the x-ray room can be x-rayed at their bedside with a portable device. The x-ray technologist will position the child, and then walk behind a wall or into the next room to activate the x-ray machine.
The child must remain still to reduce the possibility of blurring the image. Older children will be asked to hold their breath and stay still for a few seconds during the x-ray, while infants may need assistance to keep still. You may experience discomfort from the cool temperature in the examination room or the hardness of the x-ray table. You may find that the positions you need to hold are uncomfortable or painful, especially if you have an injury. The technologist will assist you in finding the most comfortable position possible to ensure diagnostic image quality.
A radiologist , a doctor trained to supervise and interpret radiology examinations, will analyze the images. The radiologist will send a signed report to your primary care or referring physician who will discuss the results with you.
The results of an abdominal x-ray can be available almost immediately for review by your radiologist. You may need a follow-up exam. If so, your doctor will explain why. Sometimes a follow-up exam further evaluates a potential issue with more views or a special imaging technique.
It may also see if there has been any change in an issue over time. Follow-up exams are often the best way to see if treatment is working or if a problem needs attention. Doctors take special care during x-ray exams to use the lowest radiation dose possible while producing the best images for evaluation. National and international radiology protection organizations continually review and update the technique standards radiology professionals use.
Modern x-ray systems minimize stray scatter radiation by using controlled x-ray beams and dose control methods. This ensures that the areas of your body not being imaged receive minimal radiation exposure.
Abdominal x-ray is a useful first step in the imaging workup. However, the images are not as detailed as those of other approaches such as computed tomography CT of the abdomen and pelvis or magnetic resonance imaging MRI of the abdomen and pelvis.
Further imaging studies may be necessary to clarify the results of an abdominal x-ray or to look for abnormalities not visible on the abdominal x-ray. Please type your comment or suggestion into the text box below. Note: we are unable to answer specific questions or offer individual medical advice or opinions. Some imaging tests and treatments have special pediatric considerations.
The teddy bear denotes child-specific content. Please contact your physician with specific medical questions or for a referral to a radiologist or other physician. To locate a medical imaging or radiation oncology provider in your community, you can search the ACR-accredited facilities database. This website does not provide cost information.
The costs for specific medical imaging tests, treatments and procedures may vary by geographic region. Web page review process: This Web page is reviewed regularly by a physician with expertise in the medical area presented and is further reviewed by committees from the Radiological Society of North America RSNA and the American College of Radiology ACR , comprising physicians with expertise in several radiologic areas.
Outside links: For the convenience of our users, RadiologyInfo. Toggle navigation. What is abdominal x-ray? What are some common uses of the procedure? How should I prepare? What does the equipment look like? You wear a hospital gown during the x-ray procedure.
You must remove all jewelry. There is no discomfort. The x-rays are taken as you lie on your back, side, and while standing. There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image.
Most experts feel that the risk is low compared to the benefits. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the x-ray. Women should tell their provider if they are, or may be, pregnant.
Plain radiography of the abdomen. Abdominal Imaging.
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