X-Rays : Abdominal Film

The abdominal x-ray aids the physician in evaluating the condition of the urinary system (kidneys) and the gastrointestinal tract. The abdominal film provides a "picture" of these internal structures. The radiation exposure from the abdominal x-ray is quite low and is considered "medium" in potency, when compared with other diagnostic x-rays. The benefits of this exam significantly outweigh the risks of radiation exposure. A developing fetus is susceptible to the radiation. Care must be taken to insure that females in the early stages of pregnancy are not x-rayed unless it is absolutely necessary. A number of conditions can be determined from an abdominal x-ray:

1. INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION (blockage)

2. PARALYTIC ILEUS (functionally inactive intestine)

3. GALLSTONES (plain x-rays will show stones in approximately 12-15% of patients with gallstones)

4. KIDNEY STONES (can show kidney stones in up to 85% of cases with known kidney stones)

5. SWALLOWED FOREIGN OBJECTS

6. INTESTINAL PERFORATION

7. KIDNEY SHAPE AND CONTOUR

8. ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM (seen only in a small percentage of patients with aneurysms)

*** REMEMBER ***

1. Inform the doctor of prior surgery.

2. Tell the doctor if you have had a recent x-ray, using a barium contrast material.

3. Tell the doctor if you might be pregnant.

4. Tell the doctor if you have an IUD (intrauterine device)

5. You may be asked to assume different positions for the abdominal film. The x-rays can provide the physician with important diagnostic information.

MEDICAL TESTS

Abdominal Ultrasound
Abdominal X-Ray
Allergy Testing
Amniocentesis
Amylase Blood Test
Angiodynography
Angiogram
Arterial Blood Gases
Arthrocentesis
Arthrogram
Barium Enema
Blood Chemistry
Blood Coagulation Test
Blood Cultures
Blood Glucose Test
Blood Test Smac 25
Bone Marrow Biopsy Aspiration
Cardiac Catheterization Angioplasty
Cardiac Enzymes
Cholesterol Blood Test
Complete Blood Count
CT Scanning Back
CT Scanning Chest Abdomen
Drug Levels
Glucose Tolerance Test
Hepatitis Blood Test
HIV Blood Test
Kidney Biopsy
Kidney Blood Test
Lipoproteins
Liver Biopsy
Liver Blood Test
Lymph Node Biopsy
Mononucleosis Test
Paracentesis
Peritoneal Lavage
Pregnancy Blood Test
Prostate Specific Antigen
Skin Biopsy
Spine X-Rays
Thyroid Biopsy
Thyroid Blood Test
Toxicology