X-Ray Abdomen Single View
X-raying Basics
An abdominal X-ray is used to evaluate the liver, intestines, and spleen’s conditions and help detect and diagnose symptoms of unexplained pain, vomiting, and nausea.
Because an abdominal X-ray is fast and easy, it is instrumental in emergency diagnosis and treatment.
Why do you need an abdominal X-ray?
If you experience acute, chronic pain in the abdominal region and lower back and unexplained nausea and vomiting, you will be asked to get an Abdominal X-ray. It may also be performed to diagnose conditions such as:
- abdominal mass such as a tumor or cyst
- intestinal blockages
- perforation of the stomach or intestine
- ingestion of foreign objects
An abdominal X-ray may also be used if your doctor has recently placed catheters or tubes to decompress organs such as the gallbladder, stomach and intestines.
The abdominal radiograph also reveals any small metallic objects such as coins or pins that may have been accidentally ingested. It must be noted that not all ingested objects may be seen on your X-ray.
When do you need it?
The following symptoms are the most common causes for ordering an abdominal X-ray:
- flank or back pain
- abdominal swelling
- Nausea and/or vomiting
If your doctor suspects the following conditions, they may ask you to get an Abdominal X-ray as the first diagnostic tool for treatment:
- an abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Addison's disease
- adenomyosis
- anemia (idiopathic aplastic or secondary aplastic)
- pancreatitis
- appendicitis
- ascariasis
- cirrhosis
- Echinococcus infection
- Hirschsprung’s disease
- intestinal pseudo-obstruction (primary or idiopathic)
- intussusception (in children)
- necrotizing enterocolitis
- peritonitis
- renal artery stenosis
- renal cell carcinoma
- injury of the ureter
- Wilms' tumor
- nephrocalcinosis
Your abdominal X-ray gives the exact position of the foreign object you have swallowed and consequently helps in making surgical plans and decisions. Your doctor may also use an abdominal X-ray to ensure that catheters and tubes are placed in the correct location. These are often placed to allow for drainage or the administration of fluids or gases.
How do you need to prepare?
No special preparation is required for an Abdominal X-ray; however, keep the following points in mind before your appointment:
- If there is a chance of pregnancy, inform your physician and radiologist to discuss the exposure limit for the developing fetus.
- Remove any jewelry or metal objects that might distort the radiographic image.
- Consult the X-ray technician if you wear any on-body devices such as an insulin pump or have metal implants from prior surgeries
- You may be asked to change into a hospital gown for the imaging at the time of the scan.
What to expect from an abdominal X-ray
A diagnostic radiographer will conduct your X-rays. The technician will request you to lie on the table in the radiography room and adjust the overhead X-ray machine to the appropriate position over the abdomen. A light beam shining from the device will allow the technician to position the X-ray machine appropriately.
The radiologist may ask you to hold very still or keep from breathing for a few seconds while the X-ray is taken to ensure maximum clarity. The entire procedure is usually completed within fifteen minutes even though the actual exposure to radiation is usually less than a second.
X-ray is a non-invasive procedure and the patient does not feel any pain. They may hear a beep signaling that the images are taken. Once the radiologist approves the images, the patient can change into regular clothes and immediately go on about their day as usual.
What do your X-ray results mean?
A radiologist will study your results and draw findings, produce a report and send it to your primary health care provider, who will explain what the results mean.
The radiograph will give your doctor vital clues about abnormality with enlargement and a true position of your organs. Every finding will be discussed at length with the patient and all implications will be studied. Some findings may require additional imaging and further tests.
Related X-rays:
Frequently ordered together
CT Abdomen with Contrast
CT Abdomen without Contrast
X-Ray Abdomen with Decubitus or Erect
X-Ray Abdomen Erect PA
Ultrasound Abdomen Upper
Ultrasound Abdomen
MRI Abdomen without Contrast
MRI Abdomen with Contrast
Ultrasound Abdomen Complete
X-Ray Abdomen Series
X-Ray Abdomen Complete
680.00$
565.00$
150.00$
150.00$
295.00$
295.00$
515.00$
1685.00$
315.00$
150.00$
65.00$
