Neonatal abdominal radiograph (supine view)
AP supine radiograph for neonates is a mobile examination performed on the neonatal unit. It can be taken as a standalone projection or as part of a series including a left lateral decubitus x-ray in cases of suspected perforation.
On this page:
Patient position
- the patient is supine, lying on their back in the incubator
- remove any radiopaque items (e.g. ECG dots, nappy)
- the patient should be free from rotation; both shoulders and hips equidistant from the incubator
- take the x-ray in full inspiration
Technical factors
- AP projection
-
centring point
- the midsagittal place (xiphisternum) at the level of the iliac crest
-
collimation
- laterally to the lateral abdominal wall
- superior to the diaphragm
- inferior to the inferior pubic rami
-
orientation
- portrait
-
detector size
- 24 cm x 30 cm
-
exposure
- 60 - 65 kVp
- 1.6 - 3.2 mAs
-
SID
- 100 cm
-
grid
- no
Image technical evaluation
- include the
- lateral abdominal wall
- inferior pubic rami inferiorly
- diaphragm superiorly
- the abdomen should be free from rotation with symmetry of the:
- ribs (superior)
- iliac crests (middle)
- obturator foramen (inferior)
- no blurring of the bowel gas due to respiratory motion
Practical points
It is important for the image to be free from movement artefact and rotation. It may be necessary for a nurse to hold the patient in position.
Exposure will need to be adjusted according to imaging system (CR or DR) and patient size. Where possible the mAs should be manipulated to ensure adequate image density and appropriate image contrast.
Related Radiopaedia articles
Radiographic views
- radiographic positioning and terminology
- systematic radiographic technical evaluation
- chest radiography
- pediatric chest radiography
- abdominal radiography
- pediatric abdominal radiography
-
upper limb radiography
-
shoulder girdle radiography
- scapula series
-
shoulder series
- AP view
- internal rotation view
- external rotation view
- superoinferior axial view
- inferosuperior axial view
- modified trauma axial
- supine lateral
- modified supine lateral
- Y lateral view
- AP glenoid view
- apical oblique view (Garth view)
- humerus (neck) AP view
- humerus axial (bicipital groove) view (Fisk view)
- outlet view (Neer view)
- Stryker notch view
- acromioclavicular joint series
- clavicle series
- sternoclavicular joint series
- arm and forearm radiography
- wrist and hand radiography
-
shoulder girdle radiography
-
lower limb radiography
- pelvic girdle radiography
- thigh and leg radiography
- ankle and foot radiography
- skull radiography
-
paranasal sinus and facial bone radiography
- facial bones
- Caldwell view (angled skull PA view)
- nasal bones
- zygomatic arches
- orbits
- paranasal sinuses
- temporal bones
-
dental radiography
- orthopantomography (OPG)
- mandible
- temporomandibular joints
- spine radiography