What is a Routine X-Ray?

The X-ray has been called one of the most significant advances in all of medical history. It is used in many different ways in medical diagnosis. An x-ray image is produced when a small amount of radiation passes through the body and strikes a sheet of sensitive film placed on the other side of the body. Almost any part of the body can be imaged.

What Preparation is required?

General x-rays require no preparation. You will not feel any discomfort during the procedure. After the test the patient may leave immediately following the exam because the X-rays have no side effects.

Fluoroscopy

What is a Fluoroscopy?

Fluoroscopy is a form of diagnostic radiology that enables the radiologist, with the aid of a contrast agent, to visualize the organ or area of concern via x-ray. This contrast agent allows the image to be viewed clearly on a television monitor or screen. Contrast agents may be introduced into the body through injection, swallowing or an enema. Of note please let the radiographers know of any allergies you have before doing any of these tests.

Common uses of this procedure.

• Barium x-rays (barium swallow, meals, follow through and enemas)
• Intravenous pyelograms (IVP)
• Micturating cystourethrogram (MCUG)

Barium Studies

Barium studies are used to examine the Gastro-Intestinal system, including the oesophagus, stomach, small bowel and large bowel. A barium sulphate suspension (powder in water) is used to coat the inside of the area being investigated. Air or other gas is often used to expand the area under investigation to allow for more complete imaging. Following these tests you are encouraged to drink extra water and eat more fibre. Those prone to constipation may require laxatives.

BARIUM SWALLOW

• Purpose: Used to examine the oesophagus
• Preparation: You will be asked to fast prior to this test (no food or drink after midnight on the day prior to the test). Avoid gas producing foods the day prior to the examination. Egg, milk, fruits, cabbage, peas, beans or carbonated beverages. DO NOT take any medication the evening before or morning of the test.
• Procedure:  You will be required to drink a barium mixture whilst pictures of the oesophagus are taken in different positions (usually whilst you are standing). The test takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

BARIUM MEAL

• Purpose: Used to examine the stomach and the duodenum (the first part of the small bowel).
• Preparation: Same as for the Barium swallow
• Procedure: You will be required to drink a barium mixture, followed by a gas producing mixture to distend the stomach for your test. You will be asked to lie in various positions on the x-ray table to coat the inside of the stomach with the barium. You may need a small injection that helps relax the bowel. The test will take about 30 minutes to complete.

BARIUM FOLLOW THROUGH

• Purpose: Used to examine the small intestine.
• Preparation: You will be required to fast for at least 4 hours
• Procedure: You will be required to drink 2-3 cups of barium mixture on arrival. You will usually lie on your right side. Pictures will be taken at intervals to check on the progress of the barium. The Radiologist may examine your abdomen. This test usually takes about 2 hours, but can sometimes take as long as 4 hours as it varies from patient to patient.

BARIUM ENEMA

• Purpose: Used to examine the colon (large bowel).

• Preparation: Two days prior to the test you may have CLEAR FLUIDS ONLY. This includes broth, strained fruit juices, coconut water, jello, coffee, tea. NO soda, milk, cheese or cream. You will also be required to take 2 tablets of Dulcolax in the morning and evening. One day prior to the test your diet remains as before but you will take one dose of Epsom salts by mouth in the morning and evening. On the day of the test NO SOLID FOOD should be taken, only fluids, that is, a glass of water every hour leading up to the test.

• Procedure:  It is important that you follow the instructions carefully as this can greatly affect the test. You will need to lie on your side as the Radiologist inserts a lubricated plastic tube into the rectum. This will be done as carefully and painlessly as possible. A small balloon on the plastic tube is inflated to help retain the barium and keep the tube in place. Barium mixture will run into the bowel through the tube. You will be moved into various positions to allow the barium to coat the entire colon. The barium mixture will then be drained out of the tube and the bowel will be filled with air. This part may be a little uncomfortable. Often a small injection can be given to help relax the bowel. Several pictures will be taken using the x-ray ma¬chine with you in different positions. After the Radiologist has checked the images, the remaining barium and air will be drained and the tube will be removed. You will then be free to use the toilet. This examination usually takes about 45 minutes.

Micturating Cystourethrogram (MCUG)

• Purpose: Uses X-rays to study how the bladder fills and empties.
• Preparation: None necessary
• Procedure: A fine, plastic tube (catheter) is passed into your child's bladder through the urethra (the tube through which urine is passed).The doctor will fill the bladder using X-ray dye until it starts emptying naturally. X-ray pictures are then taken. This takes approximately 15mins

Cystogram

• Purpose: Used to image the bladder

• Preparation: None necessary

• Procedure: An x-ray will be taken of your bladder. Then a tube, called a foley catheter, will be inserted into your bladder. A medicine called contrast material will be dripped into your bladder through the tube. X-rays will be taken while your bladder is filling with the contrast material. You may feel like you have to urinate as your bladder becomes full. When the x-rays have been taken, the liquid will be drained out of your bladder through the catheter. The catheter will then be removed. If your doctor wants a Voiding Cystogram, the catheter will be removed before the contrast material is drained. More x-rays will be taken while you urinate into a container. This procedure takes about 1hr.

Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)

• Purpose: An x-ray of the kidneys, ureters and urinary bladder that uses iodinated contrast material injected into veins. The IVP exam can enable the radiologist to detect problems within the urinary tract resulting from: kidney stones, enlarged prostate and tumors in the kidney, ureters or urinary bladder

• Preparation: You may be asked not to eat or drink after midnight on the night before your exam. You may also be asked to take a mild laxative (in either pill or liquid form) the evening before the procedure.

• Procedure: Upon arrival you will get an injection to have an IV line placed in the arm to be given contrast. You will then be positioned on the table and still x-ray images are taken. The contrast material is then injected, into the IV line, followed by additional still images. You must hold very still and may be asked to keep from breathing for a few seconds while the x-ray picture is taken. This usually takes about 1hr