The use of plain abdominal x rays in the emergency department
J E Smith & E J Hall. Emerg Med J 2009; 26:160–163. doi:10.1136/emj.2008.059113
J E Smith & E J Hall. Emerg Med J 2009; 26:160–163. doi:10.1136/emj.2008.059113
"ABSTRACT
Abdominal x rays expose patients to significant doses of radiation and have limited use in emergency medicine. This review explores the evidence supporting the use of abdominal x rays in the emergency department, with particular reference to recent guidelines published by the Royal College of Radiologists. The authors’ recommendations for the use of abdominal x rays in the emergency department are given.
CONCLUSIONAbdominal x rays expose patients to significant doses of radiation and have limited use in emergency medicine. This review explores the evidence supporting the use of abdominal x rays in the emergency department, with particular reference to recent guidelines published by the Royal College of Radiologists. The authors’ recommendations for the use of abdominal x rays in the emergency department are given.
The plain AXR has limited use in the ED for specific conditions, but should not be used indiscriminately as a routine investigation in undifferentiated patients presenting with abdominal symptoms."
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LIFT / Education / Investigations (Tests) / XRay Interpretation