Why would you need to have a KUB X-ray?

Johns Hopkins Medicine describes a kidney, ureter and bladder x-ray as a procedure performed to assess the abdominal area for causes of pain or to view the organs and structures of the abdomen. It is used as the first step in the diagnosis of a problem with the urinary system.

Johns Hopkins Medicine explains that a KUB x-ray allows a doctor to view the size, shape and position of the kidneys, ureters and bladder. A doctor can see obstructions, perforations and masses in the x-ray. A doctor can also identify other abnormalities such as kidney stones on the x-ray film. Typically the procedure requires no special preparation on the part of the patient, and it does not take long to perform.