North Fork Radiology - General X-Ray Examinations

North Fork Radiology performs a full range of general x-ray examinations including specialty procedures such as Barium Enema, Upper GI Series and Barium Swallow.

What is a Barium Enema?

A barium enema is a special x-ray of the lower digestive tract, colon or large intestine. A liquid barium preparation is given by enema to make the colon and rectum visible to x-ray. The barium (contrast medium) makes the area to be examined visible on film. If you are experiencing pain, have a change in bowel habits; diarrhea or bleeding your physician may refer you for a barium enema.

How is a Barium Enema Performed?

You will be asked to undress and place a gown on. You will be positioned on your side for the exam. The technologist will gently insert a specially designed enema tip into your rectum. The barium mixture will start filling the colon. You will need to hold the solution long enough for the technologist to get the necessary x-rays. You will be asked to remain perfectly still and hold your breath for a few moments at a time as the x-ray images are taken. You will be allowed to go to the bathroom just before the final x-rays of your empty colon are taken. After the final pictures have been taken you will be asked to wait. If the Radiologist requires additional pictures they will be taken at this time.

How Do I Prepare for a Barium Enema?

You must go to a local drug store and purchase a fleet prep kit number 2 and follow the instructions. You will be required to be on a clear liquid diet and you will not be permitted to eat or drink anything 4 hours prior to the exam.

What is an Upper GI Series?

An upper GI Series is an exam of the upper portion of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach and small intestine. An Upper GI Series can show a blockage, abnormal growth, ulcer, or a problem with the way an organ is working.

How is an Upper GI Series Performed?

You will be asked to undress and change into a gown. A technologist will position you on an exam table. During the procedure you will drink barium, a thick, white, milkshake-like liquid. Barium coats the inside lining of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum and makes them show up more clearly on the x-rays. Using a machine called fluoroscope, the Radiologist is also able to watch your digestive system work as the barium moves through it. An Upper GI series takes between 1 and 3 hours. This is dependant on how fast the barium travel through your system and enables the technologist to acquire the proper pictures. The examination is not painful. The barium may cause constipation.

How Do I Prepare for an Upper GI Series?

Your stomach and small intestine must be empty for the procedure to be accurate, so the night before you will not be able to eat or drink anything after midnight.

What is an IVP?

An Intravenous Pyelogram or IVP is an x-ray examination of the kidneys, ureters and urinary bladder. An IVP study uses a contrast material to enhance the x-ray images. The contrast material is injected into the patient’s system and its progress through the urinary tract is then recorded on a series of quickly captured images. The exam enables the radiologist to review the anatomy and the function of the kidney’s and urinary tract. An IVP can detect problems within your urinary tract resulting from kidney stones; enlarged prostate; internal injuries after an accident or trauma; tumors in the kidney, ureters, or urinary bladder.

How is an IVP Performed?

The patient is positioned on the table, and a contrast material is injected, usually in a vein in the patient’s arm. Images are taken both before and after the injection of the contrast material. As the kidneys process the contrast material a series of images is captured. A typical IVP study usually takes an hour. Aside from the minor sting from the injection of contrast material, an IVP causes no pain. Some people report feeling a flush of heat when the contrast material is injected. During the examination you will be asked to turn from side to side and toward the end of the exam you will be asked to empty your bladder so that an additional film can be taken of your urinary bladder as it empties.

How Do I Prepare for an IVP?

Take 2 oz. Of milk of magnesia at 4 p.m. the day prior to the test. The day of the test you may eat a normal breakfast followed by only clear liquids. Two hours prior to the test use a dulcolax suppository.

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