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Medical Imaging - General Radiology (X-ray, Fluoroscopy and IVP)

General Radiology - Click for larger viewInformation for patients
In this division, X-rays of the chest, abdomen, spine and extremities are taken. In addition, special tests to view the stomach, intestines and kidneys are also performed. All exams are performed by board-certified radiologists with subspecialty training in these areas.
• X-ray questions
• Preparing for your exam
• Fluoroscopy/IVP
• Frequently asked questions

X-ray
Frequently Asked Questions

• Why do you have to take so many films?
The body is a three-dimensional structure, but an x-ray is only two dimensional. Thus, on a single x-ray, the different parts of the body are superimposed on one another or may overlap one another. By taking several x-rays in different positions, we can better visualize the bones and soft tissues to detect an abnormality.

• Why does the radiologist have to look at my films? Doesn't my doctor look at them?
A radiologist is a medical doctor specially trained to interpret x-rays. At Columbia Memorial Hospital, all of our radiologists are board certified by the American Board of Radiology. Sometimes your doctor will request to see your x-rays in addition to having the radiologist interpret them. In this case, you can take your films with you after they have been read by the radiologist.

• Does my doctor need to see my x-rays?
Usually a written report from the radiologist is sufficient. Some doctors such as orthopedic surgeons and urologists do need to see the x-rays and will ask you to bring the films.

• Do you (the technologist) see anything wrong with my x-rays?
The technologists are not qualified to read your x-rays. When the technologist checks them, it is to make sure the quality is good enough for the radiologist to interpret them.

• I was here first, why did someone go in before me?
At Columbia Memorial Hospital we offer many services in addition to x-rays which require different equipment. Another person in the waiting room may be having an ultrasound or CT scan and thus is waiting in a different "line."

• How and when will I get the results of the exam?
After the scan is finished, one of our board-certified radiologists will interpret the study and send a report to your doctor within 24 hours.

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X-ray, Fluoroscopy, IVP
Preparing for Your Exam

• For X-rays of the chest, abdomen, spine or extremities:
No special preparation is necessary.

• For a barium swallow:
Do not eat after midnight before the exam. You may take routine medications with a sip of water before the exam.

• For a barium enema:
Obtain Fleet Enema Prep Kit #1 from a local pharmacy and follow the 18-hour instruction included in the kit.
NOTE: Make sure you obtain Fleet Enema Prep Kit #1, which is different from the general Fleet Enema.

• For an IVP:Pharmacy
Obtain Fleet Enema Prep Kit #1 from a local pharmacy and follow the 18-hour instruction included in the kit.
NOTE: Make sure you obtain Fleet Enema Prep Kit #1, which is different from the general Fleet Enema.

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Special X-Ray Studies
Fluoroscopy/IVP

Fluoroscopy can be thought of as an x-ray movie. During this test, the radiologist watches barium in different parts of the digestive track and takes a series of still pictures.

The four most common procedures are:
• upper GI
• barium swallow
• small bowel follow-through
• barium enema

For a barium swallow, upper GI and small bowel follow-through, the patient drinks a flavored, barium liquid which allows the radiologist to see the inside of the esophagus (food pipe), stomach and small bowel (intestine). Frequently, the patient will also have to drink a seltzer which distends the esophagus and stomach.

For a barium enema, a tube is inserted into the rectum through which barium liquid is administered to fill the colon. This is frequently followed by the administration of air. This test allows the radiologist to see the inside of the colon.
IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram)

An IVP is a special type of x-ray that looks at the kidneys, ureters (tubes which transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder) and bladder. A contrast injection into a vein is required. This contrast is the same as that used for CT (CAT) scans. After the contrast is injected, the technologist will take a series of x-rays, which are reviewed and interpreted by a radiologist. An appointment is necessary for an IVP.

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Fluoroscopy/IVP
Frequently Asked Questions

• What should I expect?
For a barium swallow, upper GI and small bowel follow-through, the patient drinks a flavored, barium liquid which allows the radiologist to see the inside of the esophagus (food pipe), stomach and small bowel (intestine). Frequently, the patient will also have to drink a seltzer which distends the esophagus and stomach.

For a barium enema, a tube is inserted into the rectum through which barium liquid is administered to fill the colon. This is frequently followed by the administration of air. This test allows the radiologist to see the inside of the colon.

• How long will it take?
A barium swallow, upper GI and barium enema require 45 minutes to an hour. A small bowel follow-through can take 1 ½ to 3 hours depending upon how fast the barium moves through the intestines.

• What should I do after the procedure?
Eat normally and drink plenty of fluids.

• What is IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram)?
A special type of x-ray test is the IVP (intravenous pyelogram). This test looks at the kidneys, ureters (tubes which transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder) and bladder. A contrast injection into a vein is required. This contrast is the same as that used for CT (CAT) scans. After the contrast is injected, the technologist will take a series of x-rays which are reviewed and interpreted by a radiologist. An appointment is necessary for an IVP.

For more information about general radiology at Columbia Memorial Hospital, call 518.828.8228

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