X-ray is the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging. Routine X-rays involve exposing a body part to a small dose of radiation to produce an image of an internal structure. The most common use of X-rays is to identify and treat bone fractures.

X-rays can also be used to diagnose and monitor the progression of degenerative diseases such as arthritis. They play an important role in the detection and diagnosis of cancer as well, although CT and MRI are usually better at defining the extent and nature of suspected cancer. Contrast Studies involve a series of X-rays being taken after contrast material has been introduced into the area being studied to provide added image detail.

What will the exam be like?
X-ray is a fast and easy procedure. The technologist will position you on the examination table and place a digital plate under the table in the area of the body to be imaged. Then the technologist will step behind a radiation barrier and ask you to hold very still without breathing for a few seconds. The radiographic equipment will be activated, sending a beam of radiation through your body to the digital plate. The digital plate then sends the information collected to a computer for processing, viewing and digital storage.

Contrast Studies

Esophagram
An examination of the pharynx (throat) and esophagus using still and fluoroscopic X-ray images. The X-ray pictures are taken after the patient drinks a solution that coats and outlines the walls of the esophagus (also called a barium swallow).

Upper GI Series
A series of X-rays of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine (upper gastrointestinal, or GI, tract) that are taken after the patient drinks a barium solution. Barium is a white, chalky substance that outlines the organs on the X-ray.

Small Bowel or Small Intestine Series
A series of X-rays of the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the large intestine.

Barium Enema / Lower GI Series
A series of X-rays of the lower intestine (colon) and rectum that are taken after the patient is given an enema with a white, chalky solution that contains barium. The barium outlines the intestines on the X-rays. These X-rays permit the detection of colon and rectal abnormalities including diverticulosis, diverticulitis, abnormal colon movement, dilation (widening) of the colon, polyps and cancers of the colon and rectum. Air can be instilled into the colon along with the barium contrast medium to further define structures of the large bowel and rectum. Polyps and small cancers are more readily found using this method which is called an air contrast barium enema or a double-contrast barium enema. This is the only kind of barium enema that is appropriate for detecting colorectal polyps and potentially curable colorectal cancers.

Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
An X-ray examination of the kidneys, their drainage to the bladder, and the bladder.

Hysterosalpingogram
X-ray of the uterus and Fallopian tubes; usually done in diagnosing infertility to see if there any blockages.

Arthrogram
X-ray of a joint after the injection of a contrast medium to more clearly visualize the joint.

X-Ray/Contrast Studies Requiring Preparation

Upper GI X-Ray Prep

• Do NOT eat or drink after midnight on the morning of the exam.
• Do not chew gum or smoke after midnight, as these activities can cause stomach secretions, which also may degrade the quality of the images.
• Remember to bring your prescription and your insurance card and photo ID to your appointment.
• Arrive at our office 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.

X-Ray- Small Bowel / Small Intestines X-ray Prep

• Do not eat or drink after midnight on the morning of the exam.
• Do not chew gum or smoke after midnight, as these activities can cause stomach secretions, which may degrade the quality of the images.
• Remember to bring your prescription and your insurance card and photo ID to your appointment.
• Arrive at our office 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.

Barium Enema X-Ray Prep

The barium enema requested by your physician is an examination of your colon or large intestine. It can be very important in diagnosing disorders of the large intestine. It need not be difficult or particularly unpleasant. It does require great attention to detail.

IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOUR COLON BE THOROUGHLY CLEANSED FOR THIS EXAMINATION. EVEN A SMALL AMOUNT OF RETAINED STOOL MAY HIDE ABNORMALITIES. IN ADDITION, IF YOUR BOWEL IS COMPLETELY EMPTY, THE BARIUM ENEMA WILL BE LESS UNCOMFORTABLE FOR YOU.

The barium must be given by a physician in the imaging facility. The radiologists will perform the procedure with fluoroscopy and obtain a number of images using X-ray during the enema. The radiologist will write a consultation report of the findings for the physician.

PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Please follow a clear liquid diet the entire day before your exam. Clear liquids include:

• Clear juices without pulp (apple, white grape, lemonade, white cranberry)
• Water
• Clear broth or bouillon
• Coffee or tea (without milk or non dairy creamer)
• All of the following that are NOT RED OR PURPLE:
  • Gatorade
  • Carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks (Sprite, 7-Up, ginger ale)
  • Plain Jell-O (without added fruit or toppings)
  • Ice popsicles

Throughout the day, please make sure you drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration. The liquids are an important part of the preparation.

At 5:00 p.m. drink one (1) 10 ounce bottle of Magnesium Citrate; follow this with 8 ounces of clear liquids. Drink a minimum of three (3) additional 8 ounce glasses of clear liquids throughout the evening.

DAY OF THE EXAMINATION:

Continue to follow a clear liquid diet. You may resume a normal diet AFTER your exam.

One and one half hours prior to leaving for your exam, please use one (1) Dulcolax suppository. This should result in a bowel movement within 30 minutes.

Bring a list of all your prescription medications, over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements –including frequency and dosage — with you to your appointment.

Important: Please bring your physician’s prescription and referral with you for the exam. If you have any questions about your exam, please call 908-874-7600.

PRECAUTIONS:

1. If you are a diabetic and require insulin, please contact your doctor before starting the preparation.
2. If you have an inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract, such as Chron’s disease, regional enteritis or ulcerative colitis, you may want to discuss this preparation with your physician.
3. If you have previously had an adverse response to any of the laxatives used in this preparation, please consult your physician for substitute laxative choices.
4. If you suffer from severe or chronic diarrhea, you may want to discuss this preparation with your physician.
5. This barium enema preparation is designed for use by the “average individual”. If you have any doubts or concerns about your preparation, please do not hesitate to discuss them with your own physician. Additional questions may be directed to the radiologist.

Adult IVP X-Ray Prep

Your physician has asked us to perform and interpret an I.V.P. for you. This is an x-ray examination of your kidneys, their drainage to your bladder, and your bladder. For this study to be of greatest value, it is necessary for your bowel to be as clean as possible. For best results, follow the directions below.

Required Preparation

DAY BEFORE EXAM

Report to the office at the scheduled time.

What You’ll Need

You will need to purchase the following items from the pharmacy:

• One 10 ounce bottle Magnesium Citrate
• Three Dulcolax tablets (Bisacody L)
• One Dulcolax rectal suppository (Bisacody L)

The value of the examination for you depends on complete cleansing of your bowel. Occasionally the above laxative products cause multiple loose movements.

Precautions (Read Carefully!)

You may continue taking any medications prescribed by your physician; however, if you take a diuretic (water pill), omit it on the day of the examination.

EXCEPTION: Do Not Take Glucophage

IF YOU ARE A DIABETIC AND REQUIRE INSULIN, PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING YOUR PREPARATION.