The use of plain abdominal x rays in the emergency department.
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.
Smith
J E
JE
Emergency Department, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth PL6 8DH, UK. jasonesmith@doctors.org.uk
Hall
E J
EJ
D000006:Abdomen, Acute / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003085:Colic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004630:Emergencies; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011859:Radiography