KUB Klub
This common abdominal projection is often the first image taken.
What is the AP supine abdomen (KUB)?
This projection is best for visualizing air-fluid levels when upright imaging isn't possible.
What is the left lateral decubitus?
This muscle, visible on a good AP abdomen, outlines the retroperitoneal area.
What is the psoas muscle?
A “flat and upright” series usually includes these two projections.
What are AP supine and AP upright abdomen?
This type of motion occurs when a patient can’t hold still or follow breathing instructions.
What is voluntary motion?
This bony landmark is used to center the image receptor for a supine abdomen.
What are the iliac crests?
This projection shows free air rising under the diaphragm in an acute abdomen case.
What is the upright PA chest?
You know the exposure is good when you can see this outer fat layer along the abdominal wall.
What is the properitoneal fat stripe (flank stripe)?
This projection is added in a three-way acute abdomen series to check for free air.
What is the PA chest?
Before exposure, wait this long after breath-holding to reduce internal movement.
What is 1–2 seconds?
To ensure the bladder is included on an upright KUB, center here.
What is the level of the iliac crests?
Before imaging a suspected pneumoperitoneum, the patient should be in position for this many minutes.
What is 5 to 20 minutes?
These bony structures, if clearly seen, help confirm good technique on a KUB.
What are the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae?
This projection can substitute for upright if the patient cannot stand.
What is the left lateral decubitus?
This motion is caused by digestion and can make an image look hazy.
What is peristalsis (involuntary motion)?
These two structures should appear symmetric to confirm no rotation on an AP abdomen.
What are the alae (iliac wings) and ischial spines?
In the left lateral decubitus, air will rise to this anatomical area for better visualization.
What is the right flank (beneath the right hemidiaphragm)?
Breathing during exposure can cause this type of artifact.
What is motion blur or bowel gas haziness?
When free air is suspected, position the patient this way before imaging.
What is left side down (left lateral decubitus)?
To prevent strain and aid relaxation during a supine KUB, use this positioning aid.
What is a knee support or sponge?
This structure must be included if the diaphragm is not visible on a single AP abdomen image.
What is the pubic symphysis?
These are the two key signs you're looking for on an upright abdomen when evaluating bowel obstruction.
What are air-fluid levels and bowel distension?
These 3 solid organs should be seen (at least in part) on a correctly exposed abdomen radiograph.
What are the liver, spleen, and kidneys?
This upright projection may be skipped if the kidneys are not of concern.
What is the PA abdomen?
The best time to expose an abdominal image in terms of respiration.
What is at the end of expiration?