Fluoroscopy Procedures
those in red are not linked

The links above will take you to the Radiology Resource Site or other areas on our site where each examination is described in detail. Note: Some of the preparations for having the exams on the Radiology Resource Site may differ from our preparations, please follow our guide below. To return to this page, just click the Return Link in the top frame. The list above may not include every examination performed in this area. For information regarding performance of unlisted procedures, please call our scheduling department at (901) 387-2340.

Preparation For Having A Fluoroscopic Examination

Specific instructions should be followed depending on the examination your physician has scheduled for you as follows. If the exam you are to have is not listed below, then there is no specific prep required. If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, you must not have any x-ray tests without first consulting your physician.

Barium Enema (BE) (including Air Contrast Barium Enema).

• A colon prep kit must be obtained from your doctor’s office, if available, or from Diagnostic Imaging at least 24 hours before this test. Follow the instructions included within the kit.

IVP
For patients over 12 years old.

• Clear liquid supper the night before the test and remain on clear liquids (ex: bouillon, jello or broth) until 4 hours before the test.
• Nothing to eat or drink for 4 hours before the test.
• Fleets enema the morning of the test.

For patients 12 years old and under.

• Nothing to eat or drink for 2 hours before the test.

Myelography
The following preparation applies to all myelography exams.

• No tranquilizers or sedatives should be taken for 24 hours before the scan.
• Drink an increased amount of fluids for 24 hours before the test.
• No solid foods should be consumed for 4 hours before the test.
• The patient should have someone available as a driver/escort after the procedure is completed.

Oral Cholecystogram (OCG)
The night before the test:

• Do not eat fried foods or other foods high in fat.
• Take contrast tablets or capsules per package directions. It is necessary that your doctor write a prescription for these pills.
• Nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours before the test.

Upper GI Series (UGI)/Upper GI with Small Bowel Follow Through.

• Nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours before the test.
• Children under 2 years old should have nothing to eat or drink for 4 hours before the test.

What is an Upper GI Series or UGI with Small Bowel Follow Through?

An examination of the stomach using a special fluoroscopic x-ray machine and a chalky, liquid contrast material called barium. The test allows the doctor or radiologist to study the function and appearance of the stomach and/or small bowel filled with barium through direct visualization and evaluation of a series of x-ray pictures taken by a specially trained technologist.

 

 

 

 

What takes place during the test?

You will be asked to drink barium while the doctor uses an x-ray camera device that moves over your body generating a picture shown on a monitor, similar to a TV screen. There is no discomfort associated with this exam. You may be asked to swallow a small amount of tiny, air producing crystals to help better outline the lining of your stomach. After the doctor has taken several pictures, the technologist will take a series of x-rays of your stomach, as well. If you are having a Small Bowel Follow Through, the technologist will continue the series of x-rays every 15 to 30 minutes until the barium reaches your colon.

How long will the test take to complete?

The UGI alone usually takes about 30 minutes to complete. The UGI with Small Bowel Follow Through could take between 1 to 3 hours depending on how fast the barium travels through your small bowel.

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What is a Barium Swallow or Esophagram?

An examination of the esophagus done using a special fluoroscopic x-ray machine and the administration by mouth of a chalky, liquid contrast material called barium. This enables the doctor or radiologist to study the function and appearance of the esophagus.

What takes place during the test?

You will be asked to drink barium while the doctor uses an x-ray camera device that moves over your body generating a picture shown on a monitor, similar to a TV screen. The doctor will take several x-ray pictures while you are drinking. The technologist may be required to take additional x-rays.

How long will the test take to complete?

About 30 minutes.