Gastroenterology (Digestive Health)


Trusted Insights From Nemours' KidsHealth

X-Ray Exam: Abdomen

What It Is

An abdominal X-ray is a safe and painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to make an image of a person's abdomen (belly). During the examination, an X-ray machine sends a beam of radiation through the abdomen, and an image is recorded on special film or a computer. This image shows the stomach, liver, spleen, small and large intestines, and diaphragm.


An X-ray technician takes the X-rays. One or two pictures of the abdomen are usually taken to get a view of the area from different angles.

Why It's Done

An abdominal X-ray may help to find the cause of abdominal pain or vomiting. It can sometimes detect kidney stones, an obstruction (blockage), a perforation (hole) in the intestines, or an abdominal mass such as a tumor.

The image also can reveal small metal objects (such as coins) that might have been swallowed. Not all swallowed foreign bodies are seen on X-rays. Abdominal X-rays also can help confirm that medical tubes have been placed in the right locations in organs such as the stomach or intestines.



An abdominal X-ray doesn't require special preparation. Your child may be asked to remove clothing and jewelry and change into a hospital gown because buttons, zippers, clasps, or jewelry might interfere with the image.


Also be sure to inform the technician or the doctor if your child has had an X-ray exam using barium contrast material (such as for a barium enema or an upper GI study) or has taken antidiarrheal or stomach-upset medicine containing bismuth subsalicylate in the last 5 days, as these can affect the quality of the images.







What to Expect




Getting the Results




In general, X-rays are very safe. Although there's some minor risk to the body with any exposure to radiation, the amount of radiation used in an abdominal X-ray is small and not considered dangerous. It's important to know that radiologists use the minimum amount of radiation required to get the best results.


Helping Your Child

You can help your young child prepare for an abdominal X-ray by explaining the test in simple terms before the procedure. It may help to explain that getting an X-ray is like posing for a picture.


If You Have Questions

If you have questions about why the abdominal X-ray is needed, speak with your doctor. You can also talk to the X-ray technician before the procedure.

Reviewed by: Yamini Durani, MD
Date reviewed: May 2014