X-Ray

X-rays are a form of radiation, like light or radio waves, that can be focused into a beam, much like a flashlight beam. Unlike a beam of light, however, X-rays can pass through most objects, including the human body. When X-rays hit a piece of photographic film, they can produce a picture. Dense tissues in the body, such as bones, block (absorb) many of the X-rays and appear white on an X-ray picture. Less dense tissues, such as muscles and organs, block fewer of the X-rays (more of the X-rays pass through) and appear in shades of gray. X-rays that are passing only through air appear black.

Abdominal X-Ray

An abdominal X-ray provides a picture of structures and organs in the abdomen such as the large and small intestines, stomach, liver, spleen, and the sheet of muscle that lies just under the lungs (diaphragm). If the test is being done to look for certain problems of the kidneys or bladder, it is often called a KUB (for kidneys, ureters, and bladder).

An abdominal X-ray may be one of the first tests done to investigate symptoms of abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, nausea, or vomiting.

Abdominal X-Ray.
Results

The results of an abdominal X-ray are usually ready within a day. In an emergency, they can be available within a few minutes. 

Normal:	The kidneys are normal in shape and size. The right kidney is usually slightly lower than the left kidney. No kidney stones are seen.
	The bladder looks normal (if it can be seen). The tubes leading from the kidneys to the bladder (ureters) generally cannot be seen using this type of X-ray.
	No unusual 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 present in the large intestine.
Abnormal:	The size or shape of the kidneys may be abnormal. Kidney stones may be seen in the kidney, ureters, bladder, or urethra.
	The size or shape of the bladder may be abnormal.
	Abnormal growths (such as large tumors) or large amounts of fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites) may be seen.
	The walls of the intestines may appear abnormal or thickened.
	A pocket of air inside the abdominal cavity but outside the intestines (caused by a hole in the stomach or intestines) may be seen.
	Evidence of a blocked intestine may be seen (such as a portion of the intestine that is stretched wider than usual or areas in the intestine that contain air or fluid).
	Occasionally, gallstones may be seen on an abdominal X-ray.
	Abnormal calcium deposits on the wall of the large blood vessel in the abdomen may indicate that hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis) is present.