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Abdominal film - Risks

Alternative Names

Abdominal x-ray; X-ray - abdomen; Flat plate; KUB

What the risks are:

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 with the benefits.

Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the x-ray. Women should tell the health care provider if they are, or may be, pregnant.

Special considerations:

The test is not usually recommended for pregnant women. The ovaries and uterus cannot be shielded during the abdominal x-ray because of their location.

Men should have a lead shield placed over the testes to protect against the radiation.

X-ray

Digestive system

Reviewed last on: 2/22/2009
Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Mettler FA. Gastrointestinal system. In: Mettler FA, ed. Essentials of Radiology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2005:chap 6.

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