Abdomen

Technical Factors

• SID: 40” 

• Collimation Field Size: 14 x 17 

• IR Alignment: Portrait

  • Decub: Landscape

• Grid: Yes 

• kVp Range: 75 to 85 

Abdomen AP Supine (KUB) SID

40”

Abdomen Erect SID

40”

Abdomen Supine (KUB) IR Alignment - Portrait or Landscape

Portrait

Abdomen Erect IR Alignment - Portrait or Landscape

Portrait

Abdomen kVp

75-85

Anatomy Visualized

• ASIS

• Pubis

• L-spine

• Transverse Processes 

• Symphysis Pubis

• Ischium

• L-spine Vertebral Bodies 

• Psoas Muscles

• Ilium

• Base of Lungs 

• Kidneys

• Pelvis

• Air within the stomach, small and large bowel 

• Iliac Crest

• Sacrum 

Is the pubis symphysis visualized in both Erect and KUB positions?

No - only in KUB, not Erect

When is exposure taken during respiration?

At the end of expiration - allow about 1 second delay to stop motion

AP Projection: Supine (KUB) Patient Positioning

• Patient supine 

• Arms placed at patient’s sides away from body 

KUB Positioning/Instruction for:

• CR

• Collimation

• Respiration

• CR: To level of iliac crests 

• Collimation: 14 x 17 inches field of view or collimate on four sides to anatomy of interest 

• Respiration: Make the exposure at the end of expiration (allow about 1 second delay to stop motion) 

What anatomy must be included in KUB Collimation Field?

c) Both symphysis pubis & inferior ribs

Abdomen Collimation Field Size

14” x 17”

AP Projection: Erect Patient Positioning

• Patient upright, back against wall bucky 

• Arms at sides away from body 

Erect Abdomen Positioning/Instruction for:

• CR

• Collimation

• Marker(s)

• Respiration

• CR: 2 inches above iliac crest 

• Collimation: 14 x 17 inches field of view, or collimate on four sides to anatomy of interest 

• Marker: Include erect marker on IR 

• Respiration: Make the exposure at the end of expiration (allow about 1 second delay to stop motion) 

What anatomy must be included and why?

Upper abdomen to identify air/fluid levels at the diaphragm.

How long should patients be upright prior to taking Erect Abdomen XR? Why?

A minimum of 5 minutes, but 10-20 minutes is desirable. For visualizing small amounts of intraperitoneal air.

True/False: The Pubis Symphysis should be included in an Erect Abdomen XR.

False.