Abdomen - Dorsal Decubitus

Radiographic Positioning

Adult

Other related pages of interest Applied Radiography Radiographic Anatomy Radiographic Protocols

Name of projection	Abdomen - Dorsal Decubitus
Area Covered	Diaphragm and as much of the lower abdomen as possible
Pathology shown	Air-fluid levels, aneurysms, calcification of aorta and umbilical hernia
Radiographic Anatomy	Abdomen Radiographic Anatomy
IR Size & Orientation	35 x 43 cm Landscape
Film / Screen Combination	Regular (CR and DR as recommended by manufacturer)
Bucky / Grid	Moving or Stationary Grid
Filter	No
Exposure	85 kVp 40 mAs
FFD / SID	100 cm
Central Ray	CR horizontal Centre to midcoronal plane - 5cm above iliac crest
Collimation	Collimate closely to upper and lower abdomen soft tissue borders Close collimation is needed because of the increased scatter and the need for soft tissue visibility
Markers	Anterior and Inferior Marker orientation AP
Shielding	Gonadal (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 up above the head Positioned without rotation of the pelvis and torso Ensure there are no artefacts such as zips or buttons over the area being imaged CR horizontal Centre to midcoronal plane - 5cm above iliac crest
Critique PACEMAN	Positioning Area Covered Collimation Exposure
Special Notes