Abdomen - Supine

Radiographic Positioning

Adult

Other related pages of interest Applied Radiography Radiographic Anatomy Radiographic Protocols

Name of projection	Abdomen - Supine
Area Covered	The diaphragm, abdomen, pubic symphysis
Pathology shown	Bowel obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, volvulus, organomegaly, pneumoperitoneum, tumour and ascities
Radiographic Anatomy	Abdomen Radiographic Anatomy
IR Size & Orientation	35 x 43 cm Portrait D.R. may cover 43 x 43 cm Some obese patients will require two 35 x 43 cm landscape to cover the abdominal area. (sometimes 4 films required)
Film / Screen Combination	Regular (CR and DR as recommended by manufacturer)
Bucky / Grid	Moving or Stationary Grid
Filter	No
Exposure	75 kVp 35 mAs
FFD / SID	100 cm
Central Ray	Directed to the midsaggital plane at the level of the iliac crests Perpendicular to the IR
Collimation	Centre: To the midsaggital plane at the level of the iliac crests Shutter A: Open to include the pubic symphysis inferiorly Shutter B: Open to include the lateral skin margins
Markers	Inferior and Lateral Marker orientation AP
Shielding	Gonadal for males (check your department's policy guidelines)
Respiration	Suspended on expiration - this lifts the diaphragm and presents the abdominal contents in a more relaxed state. (check your departmental technique protocol)
Positioning	Patient is supine on the table Cushion for head Patient's arms slightly abducted from the torso Positioned without rotation of the pelvis and torso Ensure there are no artefacts such as zips or buttons over the area being imaged Centre the midsaggital plane of the patient to the midline of the IR CR directed to the midsaggital plane at the level of the iliac crests
Critique PACEMAN	Positioning No rotation as evidenced by symmetrical iliac wings the obturator foramina are both open and symmetrical the sacrum is centred in the pelvic inlet the pedicles of the vertebrae are the same distance from the spinous processes on each side Area Covered The diaphragm to pubic symphysis Collimation Centre: L4 Lumbar vertebra, which is at the level of the iliac crests Shutter A: Open to include the pubic symphysis inferiorly and diaphragm superiorly Shutter B: Open to include the lateral skin margins if possible Exposure There should be adequate exposure and no patient motion so that the following anatomy is demonstrated the outline of the psoas muscles the outline of the kidneys skeletal structures such as the posterior ribs, vertebrae and pelvic anatomy
Special Notes	This technique is modified to demonstrate particular pathologies. e.g. inguinal hernia, renal stone follow up, cholycystitis etc.