Fluoroscopy
Our full range of Fluoroscopy services include:
Barium/Air Contrast Enema
Upper GI / Small Bowel
Arthrograms
Barium/Air Contrast Enema
Your doctor has ordered an Barium Enema or a Air contras enema to better visualize the colon. You will need to prepare yourself for the test by following the instructions in this Barium Enema Prep Kit. The prep begins at 7:00 a.m. the day before the examination. This preparation will clean your colon so that the enema may be done. If you do not follow the instructions the study may be rescheduled.
During the test an enema tip will be inserted into your rectum. The colon is filled with barium. You'll feel like you have to go to the bathroom. A small balloon on the enema tip may be inflated to help you retain the enema. You'll need to shift your position and hold your breath while the x-rays are being taken. Air also may be added to the enema to enhance the images even more. Cramping may occur and slow deep breaths will help to relieve the pressure. You then will be able to go to the bathroom.
After the test, you will need to drink lots of water and you may resume your normal diet. The radiologist will read the films and a report will go to your doctor.
If you have any questions prior to the test, PLEASE call us at 610-435-1600.
Upper GI / Small Bowel
Your doctor has ordered an Upper GI series to better visualize your upper digestive tract, which includes your esophagus, stomach and upper portion of your small bowel.
Preparation
On the day prior to examination, you should have nothing to eat or drink after midnight.
On the day of the examination, do not eat or drink anything until after your examination has been completedDuring your exam, you will be asked to drink barium. You may also be asked to swallow “fizzies”, a substance that helps to create air in your stomach. Try not to belch, even though you feel like you have to. During the exam, you may need to stand or lie in different positions. After the test is completed you may have to wait to make sure that the x-rays are adequate. The entire exam takes approximately 25 minutes.
If your doctor orders a small bowel series separately or with the Upper GI series, please be aware, this exam may take several hours. This exam includes your entire small bowel which is many feet long. The technologist will take timed x-rays to watch the barium travel through your entire small bowel. (The prep is the same as for the Upper GI series).
Arthrograms
Your doctor has ordered a arthrogram to better visualize a joint in your body. An arthrogram is a radiographic examination of a joint after a radiologist injects contrast material (also known as xray dye) into the joint. During the exam,an xray may be taken before the radiologist enters the exam room. You will be asked why the exam has been ordered, and if you have any allergies. You will be positioned on an x-ray table and asked to lie as still as possible. The radiologist will inject local anesthetic around the joint(This may burn for a minute, but it will numb the area). This will be followed an injection of a contrast material. The radiologist will use fluroscopy(Real-time x-ray) to
observe the injected contrast material. After the radiologist is finished with the injection, the technologist will take some x-rays.
The entire exam takes approximately 45 minutes.