Abdomen AP Upright is a radiography positioning projection of the Abdomen. Erect against vertical Bucky, back straight, arms at sides. SID 40". The centering point is located 2 inches above iliac crest at midline.. The central ray is perpendicular to ir at 2 inches above iliac crest at midline.. Image-quality criteria include diaphragm visible above ribs at top of image., pubic symphysis or ischial tuberosities visible at bottom.. Standard exposure ranges from 70 to 80 kVp, 30 to 60 mAs, at an SID of 40 inches (102 cm).
Anatomy demonstrated
- Diaphragm and lower lung lobes.
- Liver and spleen outlines.
- Stomach bubble.
- Small bowel loops.
- Colon.
- Peritoneal fat stripe.
Patient preparation
- Verify patient identity using two identifiers.
- Ask patient to remove all radiopaque objects from the abdomen and pelvis.
- Position patient standing upright against vertical Bucky.
- Instruct patient to stand straight, arms at sides.
- Have patient breathe normally; suspend respiration on expiration.
Position & centering point
2 inches above iliac crest at midline.
Central ray
Perpendicular to IR at 2 inches above iliac crest at midline.
Exposure / technique
- kVp
- 70–80
- mAs
- 30–60
- SID
- 40" (102 cm)
- Notes
- Grid required. Use the shortest exposure time possible; the erect position with a horizontal beam is what shows air-fluid levels.
Image-quality criteria
- Diaphragm visible above ribs at top of image.
- Pubic symphysis or ischial tuberosities visible at bottom.
- Entire abdomen shown between diaphragm and pubis.
- Air-fluid levels clearly demonstrated.
- Free gas visible if present (pneumoperitoneum).
- No motion blur; structures sharp throughout.
Common errors / ARRT traps
- 1 Patient slouching shortens abdomen and distorts anatomy.
- 2 Patient not fully upright lets free air shift away from under the diaphragm.
- 3 CR too low excludes diaphragm and upper abdomen.
- 4 Patient motion blurs the diaphragm and hides small amounts of free air.
Clinical indications
- Acute abdominal pain evaluation (obstruction, perforation, free air).
- Bowel obstruction assessment.
- Pneumoperitoneum detection.
- Urinary calculus search.
Aligned to the current ARRT Radiography Content Specifications.