Abdolali Assarian, Raymond Chung, Ahsan Zafar Zaidi.
Plain abdominal radiographs and acute abdominal pain.
Professional Med J Jan ;15(1):33-6.

In this study we audited one district general hospital`s current practice of performing abdominal X-ray (AXR) in adult patients with acute abdominal pain. Data was collected from patients` notes one day post-admission and a total of 100 consecutive cases were reviewed in a two month period. AXR were deemed unnecessary in 53% of these in view of the patients` clinical presentation. Inappropriate use of AXR is a source of preventable radiation, patient discomfort and also an aspect of financial burden on the NHS. By educating staff, introducing an A&E poster and departmental protocol, the use of AXR can be restricted to necessary cases only.

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