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Alternative Names

abdominal film, 3 way abdominal series, abdominal obstructive series, kidney, ureters and bladder film, KUB film, "flatplate" of the abdomen

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Definition

An abdominal film usually indicates a series of x-rays taken to diagnose certain abdominal problems.

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Who is a candidate for the test?

A healthcare provider may recommend this test for a person who has:

· swelling, pain, or a mass in the abdomen

· severe constipation, diarrhea, or vomiting

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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 films are taken, the x-rays may include the:

· chest

· upright abdomen, which is taken while standing

· flat abdomen, which is taken while lying down

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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What is involved in preparation for the test?

A person having an X-ray will completely undress and put on a hospital gown. All jewelry-including pierced body jewelry-must be removed. The person will be asked:

· if he or she has any metal objects in their body

· 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

· if he or she has had any barium x-ray exams in the past 4 to 5 days

· if he or she can briefly hold a breath

A woman will also be asked if she:

· might be pregnant

· has an intrauterine device (IUD)

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What do the test results mean?

This kind of x-ray exam may:

· help find an obstruction in the bowel.

· find abnormal calcifications such as gallstones and kidney stones.

· find a hole or perforation in the bowel.

· detect fluid such as blood or other body fluid.

· identify enlarged organs.

· find abnormal masses.

· detect pneumonia, which could be the cause of abdominal symptoms, such as pain.

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