AXR

Medical abbreviation · Medical Imaging

AXR
Stands forAbdominal X-ray
CategoriesMedical

AXR stands for Abdominal X-ray, a medical imaging abbreviation.

Plain radiograph of the abdomen, usually taken lying flat (supine) and sometimes upright, used to look for bowel obstruction, free air, constipation, swallowed foreign bodies and some kidney stones. CT has replaced it for most acute abdominal pain, but it remains quick and low-dose.

Example: AXR: dilated small bowel loops with air-fluid levels, concerning for SBO.

Usage notes

An upright chest film detects small amounts of free air under the diaphragm better than an abdominal film. A supine abdominal film covering the urinary tract is called a KUB. An "obstruction series" or "acute abdominal series" combines supine and upright abdominal views with an upright chest view.

More medical imaging abbreviations

  • ADC – Apparent diffusion coefficient
  • ALARA – As low as reasonably achievable
  • AP – Anteroposterior
  • BI-RADS – Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System
  • BMD – Bone mineral density
  • CBCT – Cone-beam computed tomography
  • CECT – Contrast-enhanced computed tomography
  • CIN – Contrast-induced nephropathy
  • CT – Computed tomography
  • CTA – Computed tomography angiography
  • CTH – Computed tomography of the head
  • CTP – Computed tomography perfusion

See all 58 medical imaging abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.