XR - KUB

An XR KUB is a radiological examination that assesses the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. It utilizes an x-ray technique to take pictures of an internal organs. Patients suffering from abdominal pain, urinary tract infection or kidney stones usually need this type of exam.  

What is XR - KUB? 

An XR KUB is a simple, painless, and non-surgical exam that takes pictures of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder using x-rays. The exam is simple: x-ray beams are sent through the body, and are absorbed or transmitted at different levels by different tissues. The images created are saved onto a computerized x-ray plate or film, which a radiologist uses to identify several conditions. 

Types of XR - KUB 

Different forms of XR-KUB include:  

• Conventional XR-KUB: This is the most performed examination in which images of kidneys, ureters, and bladder are taken. 
• Contrast enhanced XR-KUB: This procedure involves the injection of a contrast medium for better visualization of the urinary system. 
• CT XR-KUB: This test employs computed tomography (CT) technology to create precise slice images of the urinary system. 

List of Parameters Considered During the XR - KUB

During the evaluation of the XR-KUB test, the following parameters are taken into consideration: 

• The kidney's dimensions and contours 
• The position and orientation of the kidneys 
• Patency and alignment of the ureters 
• The form and dimensions of the bladder 
• Calculi or other pathological findings within the kidney 

Reasons for Taking an XR - KUB

Normally, the following conditions are likely to be investigated with the aid of an XR - KUB: 

• Developments of calculi in the kidney/s or anticipated formations of stones 
• Infectious processes in the kidneys (pyelonephritis) 
• Pain in the abdominal region or any form of discomfort 
• Hematuria 
• Problems with micturition, such as trouble initiating or terminating urinary flow 
• Obstetric condition (to assess the urinary system and rule out abnormalities) 

When and Who Needs to Take an XR - KUB? 

A healthcare professional may advise an XR-KUB scan for the following reasons:  

• Abdominal discomfort  
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)  
• Suspected kidney stones 
• Haematuria (blood in urine) 
• Difficulty initiating or ceasing urination 
• Pregnancy (to investigate the urinary system and see if any harm has been done) 

Benefits of Taking the Test

The XR - KUB has specific advantages such as: 

• Does not require any mobilization of internal organs 
• Provides much lower dose of radiation than other scans 
• Darted abnormalities in the urinary system 

Illnesses Diagnosed with XR - KUB

The following is the list of conditions most frequently associated with the XR-KUB examination: 

• Nephrolithiasis 
• Cystitis 
• Tumour or cyst of the kidney 
• Abnormalities or irritative lesions of the urinary bladder 

Preparing for XR - KUB

The patient should:  

• Don nondisruptive clothes 
• Take off large metallic items like jewellery and spectacles.  
• Abstain from food and drinks for two hours prior to the exam.  
• Do not take specific medications like diuretics prior to the exam. 

Pre-Requisites  

No specific pre-requisites exist for the XR-KUB test, but patients must:  

• Share all known medical conditions or allergies with the physician.  
• Share all known active medications with the physician. 

Best Time to Take XR-KUB  

Although XR-KUB can be conducted anytime, it is advisable to schedule the test when the patient’s bladder is full as this aids in better visualization of the urinary tract.  

Eligibility  

The XR-KUB is generally advisable for:  

• Patients with a suspected or confirmed urinary tract problem.  
• Pregnant women (for a checkup of the urinary tract for any issues).  
• Patients who have previously had kidney stones or other urinary bladder disorders. 

Procedure for Taking an XR-KUB  

Usually, the duration for taking an XR-KUB test is 10 to 15 minutes. It involves the following steps:  

1. The patient lies on the x-ray table in supine position. The patient is required to stay motionless.  
2. The x-ray machine is placed over the abdominal area. 
3. X-ray beams pass through the body, and the images are recorded on a film or a digital detector. 
4. The patients may be instructed to hold their breath or change their body position during the test. 

Caution Before Taking the Test 

Before taking the XR – KUB test, patients need to tell their healthcare provider about any medical conditions, allergies, and current medications they may be taking. They also need to inform their healthcare provider of any possibility of pregnancy or if they are breastfeeding.