Fluoroscopy
With the aid of a contrast agent, fluoroscopy enables an x-ray technologist to capture an image of an internal body organ in “real time,” while it is functioning. The contrast agent allows the image to be viewed clearly on a monitor or screen.
What are some common uses of fluoroscopy?
Fluoroscopy is used to screen for ulcers, benign tumors (polyps, for example), cancer, or signs of certain other intestinal illnesses.
Small Bowel Series
Planning for your Small Bowel Series procedure (this exam may take up to four hours)
- You should inform your doctor about any recent illnesses or other medical conditions, as well as any allergies you might have to medications
- Women should always inform the technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant
- Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before.
- Fluoroscopy is generally painless
- Depending on the type of fluoroscopic test you undergo, you will be asked to lie or stand between the x-ray machine and a fluorescent screen after putting on a gown
- An x-ray scanner produces fluoroscopic images of the body part being examined
- You may be re-positioned frequently to enable the radiologist or technologist to capture different views.
- You will be asked to drink some liquid barium contrast before your exam.
It is recommended that you be near a bathroom in the hours following the procedure because of the contrast material ingested. The contrast material may cause diarrhea.
You should be able to return to normal activities and diet soon after the procedure. Your stool may be a whitish color (due to barium contrast) after the exam, or you may experience constipation. It is important to drink plenty of fluids immediately after and in the days following the exam to help flush any remaining barium from your digestive system.
A radiologist will analyze the images and send a report to your referring physician, who will discuss the results with you.
Upper G.I. or Esophogram
Planning for your Upper G.I. or Esophogram procedure
- If your appointment is before 1:00 p.m.:
- Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before
- If your appointment is after 1:00 p.m.:
- Nothing to eat or drink six to eight hours prior to your appointment.
- Fluoroscopy is generally painless
- Depending on the type of fluoroscopic test you undergo, you will be asked to lie or stand between the x-ray machine and a fluorescent screen after putting on a gown
- An x-ray scanner produces fluoroscopic images of the body part being examined
- You may be re-positioned frequently to enable the radiologist or technologist to capture different views.
- You will be asked to drink some liquid barium contrast before your exam.
It is recommended that you be near a bathroom in the hours following the procedure because of the contrast material ingested. The contrast material may cause diarrhea.
You should be able to return to normal activities and diet soon after the procedure. Your stool may be a whitish color (due to barium contrast) after the exam, or you may experience constipation. It is important to drink plenty of fluids immediately after and in the days following the exam to help flush any remaining barium from your digestive system.
A radiologist will analyze the images and send a report to your referring physician, who will discuss the results with you.
Barium Enema
Planning for your Barium Enema procedure
A barium enema requires thorough cleansing of your colon. You must come in to pick up a prep kit at least three days before your exam date. It is important that you drink plenty of clear liquids during the prep and follow all instructions.
You will be positioned on the examination table. After performing a rectal examination, the radiologist or technologist will then insert a small tube into the rectum and begin to infuse a mixture of barium and water into the colon. Air may also be injected through the tube to help the barium thoroughly coat the lining of the colon. Next, a series of x-ray images is taken.
After the examination, you may be given a laxative or enema to wash the barium out of your system. You can resume a regular diet and take orally administered medications unless told otherwise by your doctor. You may be able to return to a normal diet and activities immediately after the examination. You will be encouraged to drink additional water for 24 hours after the examination.
Your stools may appear white for a day or so as your body clears the barium liquid from your system. Some people experience constipation after a barium enema. If you do not have a bowel movement for more than two days after your exam or are unable to pass gas, consult your referring physician. You may need an enema or laxative to assist in eliminating the barium.
A radiologist will analyze the images and send a report to your referring physician, who will discuss the results with you.
IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram)
Planning for your IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram) procedure
- If your appointment is before 1:00 p.m.:
- Clear liquids only on the day before your exam. Examples of a clear liquid include: coffee, tea, soda, water, gelatin, broth, hard candy, sports drink (such as Gatorade), popsicle and juice without pulp.
- If your appointment is after 1:00 p.m.:
- On the day before your exam, you may have a light breakfast before 10:00 a.m. Following 10:00 a.m., clear liquids only.
- At 2:00 p.m., ingest 2 oz. (4 Tbs.) castor oil or one full bottle of citrate of magnesium. Continue on a clear liquid diet only until appointment time. Examples of a clear liquid include: coffee, tea, soda, water, gelatin, broth, hard candy, sports drinks (such as Gatorade), popsicle and juice without pulp.
You will be positioned on the examination table. Contrast material is injected through an IV. Before administering the contrast material, you should inform the technologist if you have:
- Any allergies, especially to medications or iodine
- A history of diabetes, asthma, kidney problems, heart or thyroid conditions. These conditions may indicate a higher risk of reaction to the contrast material or potential problems with eliminating the material from your system after the exam
During the imaging process, you may be asked to turn from side to side and to hold several different positions to enable the radiologist to capture views from several angles. Near the end of the exam, you may be asked to empty your bladder so that an additional x-ray can be taken of your urinary bladder after it empties. To determine if more images are needed, you may be asked to wait until the images are reviewed.
You might feel:
- Flushed or have a metallic taste in your mouth. These are common side effects to the contrast material that disappear in a minute or two
- A warm sensation that extends to your bladder
You should be able to return to your normal activities following the exam. A radiologist will analyze the images and send a report to your referring physician, who will discuss the results with you.
