BARIUM EXPOSURE X-RAY SERIES LOWER GI

The doctor will take precautions to minimize radiation exposure to the baby.Barium is an X-ray absorber and appears white on X-ray film. GI tract x-ray exam (sometimes called an esophagram or barium swallow). Most experts estimate the risk of the test like this :Barium enema is a special x-ray of the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum. Barium swallow: 1.5 mSv (which equals 6 months of radiation exposure from natural background) Standard abdominal X-ray: 1.2 mSv CT of the abdomen and pelvis: 10 mSv So, barium swallow results in only slightly greater radiation exposure than a standard abdominal X-ray.

Barium Exposure X-Ray Series Lower GI

You lie flat on your back on the x-ray table. Your doctor will give you instructions for cleansing your colon. It is done after your colon is completely empty and clean. The procedure can take 15-20 minutes, although actual exposure to.This test may be done in a doctor's office or hospital radiology department. This process shows differences that might not be seen on standard X-rays.Lower gastrointestinal series Lower GI series Colorectal cancer - lower GI series Colorectal cancer - barium enema Crohn disease - lower GI series Crohn disease - barium enema Intestinal blockage - lower GI series Intestinal blockage - barium enema How the Test is PerformedWhile your child drinks, an X-ray video of the barium moving through the digestive.

The barium flows into your colon. This is a contrast material that highlights specific areas in the colon, creating a clear image. The tube is connected to a bag that holds a liquid containing barium sulfate. The health care provider gently inserts a well-lubricated tube (enema tube) into your rectum.

This test is called a double contrast barium enema. This allows for even clearer images. Sometimes a small amount of air is delivered into the colon to expand it. The provider monitors the flow of the barium on an x-ray screen.

The enema tube is removed after the x-rays are taken. At certain times when the x-ray pictures are taken, you are told to hold your breath and be still for a few seconds so the images will not be blurry. The table is slightly tipped to get different views.

Follow the instructions exactly.For 1 to 3 days before the test, you need to be on a clear liquid diet. This is also called bowel preparation. If they are not empty, the test may miss a problem in your large intestine.You will be given instructions for cleansing your bowel using an enema or laxatives. Afterward, 1 or 2 more x-rays may be taken.Your bowels need to be completely empty for the exam.

Colonoscopy is done more often now. Diagnose the cause of blood in stools, diarrhea, or very hard stools (constipation)The barium enema test is used much less often than in the past. Diagnose or monitor ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease Ask your doctor about a laxative if you develop hard stools. Drink extra fluids for 2 to 4 days. You may also have:Taking long, deep breaths may help you relax during the procedure.It is normal for the stools to be white for a few days after this test.

Gastrointestinal Imaging: The Requisites. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to x-ray risks.A rare, but serious, risk is a hole made in the colon (perforated colon) when the enema tube is inserted. X-rays are monitored so that the smallest amount of radiation is used.

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Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone 2015:chap 29. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging.