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Abdominal X-ray
abdominal X-ray · plain abdominal X-ray · KUB X-ray · belly X-ray
A simple X-ray of the belly, without contrast dye. It shows gas, fluid, and some stones.
For severe belly pain, bloating, no stool or gas passing, a possible bowel blockage, or a swallowed object.
⏱ Duration: usually 5 to 10 minutes in the room; with sudden pain, the doctor looks at the image right away
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Prep. Usually none. In an emergency, the image is taken right away.
- Clothing. Take off jewelry and anything metal in the area. Sometimes you are asked to change.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Past belly images and ultrasounds, if you have them
How it goes
- You remove metal items and change, if asked
- The image is taken standing or lying down, sometimes both
- You hold your breath for a couple of seconds
- The technician takes the image and checks that everything is visible
What you'll feel
- It does not hurt. The image itself takes a fraction of a second
- Sometimes you need to hold an awkward position for a bit
Afterwards
- The doctor who sent you will decide what is next
- The report is usually ready the same day, or right away if urgent
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Severe belly pain that keeps getting worse, vomiting, a hard belly, or no stool or gas: call emergency services
Common questions
Does a belly X-ray show all the organs?
No. It mainly shows gas, fluid, and dense objects. Organs are seen in more detail on ultrasound or CT.
Do I need to fast before the X-ray?
Usually not for a plain X-ray. If unsure, check with the clinic.