Radiographic Positioning: Radiographic Positioning of the Abdomen

ABDOMEN and ACUTE ABDOMINAL SERIES

ROUTINE POSITIONS: AP (K.U.B., Flatplate)

AP Abdomen (K.U.B.)
1. 14 X 17 film
2. Patient supine
3. Cassette is placed so that the pubic bone is at the bottom of the film.
4. Bucky or grid if patient is unable to be moved.
5. 40" SID
6. Central Ray is perpendicular to the film.
7. Expiration

ADDITIONAL VIEWS: Upright, Decubitus, Lateral

Upright Abdomen
1. 14 x 17 film
2. Patient is in an AP ERECT POSITION (allow time for free air to rise).
3. Place top of cassette to the axilla (diaphragms must be demonstrated).
4. Bucky
5. 40" SID
6. Central Ray: horizontal, parallel with the fluid level, even if patient isn't completely 90 degrees upright.
7. Expiration

Decubitus Abdomen
1. 14 x 17 film
2. Patient is placed in a recumbent left lateral position (allow time for free air to rise).
3. Place the top of film at axilla (diaphragms must be demonstrated).
4. Upright bucky or grid.
5. 40" SID
6. Central Ray: perpendicular to film.
7. Expiration

Lateral Abdomen
1. 14 x 17 film
2. Patient is placed in a recumbent left lateral position.
3. Bucky
4. 40" SID
5. Central Ray: perpendicular to film.
6. Centering point - level of crest.
7. Expiration

ACUTE ABDOMINAL SERIES (A.A.S.)

ROUTINE POSITIONS: PA chest, AP abdomen, AP upright

PA chest
1. 14 x 17 film
2. Patient upright
3. Patient's chin is extended with their hands on hips and shoulders rolled forward.
4. 72" FFD
5. Central Ray: perpendicular to film.
6. Deep inspiration

AP (K.U.B.)
1. 14 x 17 film
2. Patient supine
3. Cassette is placed so that the pubic bone is at the bottom of the film.
4. Bucky or grid if patient is unable to move.
5. 50" FFD
6. Central Ray: perpendicular to the film.
7. Expiration

Upright
1. 14 x 17 film
2. Patient erect
3. Cassette is placed at the axilla (diaphragms must be demonstrated).
4. Bucky
5. 40" FFD
6. Central Ray: horizontal, parallel with the fluid level, even if the patient isn't completely 90 degrees upright.
7. Expiration