![]() See the Radiation Safety page for more information about pregnancy and x-rays. If an x-ray is necessary, the doctor will take precautions to minimize radiation exposure to the baby. Doctors will not perform many tests during pregnancy to avoid exposing the fetus to radiation. Women should always tell their doctor and technologist Remove jewelry, removable dental appliances, eyeglasses, and any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the x-ray images. You may need to remove some clothing and/or change into a gown for the exam. You can take your usual prescribed oral medications with limited amounts of water. You may also be instructed to take a laxative (in either pill or liquid form) and to use an over-the-counter enema preparation the night before the examination and possibly a few hours before the procedure. For adults (but not usually in children), it is important that your colon be completely empty for the procedure. After midnight, you should not eat or drink anything. On the day before the procedure you will likely be asked not to eat, and to drink only clear liquids like juice, tea, black coffee, cola or broth, and to avoid dairy products. Tell your doctor about recent illnesses or other medical conditions. List any allergies, especially to iodine contrast materials. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take. Your physician will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for your lower GI imaging. When the lower gastrointestinal tract is filled with barium, the radiologist is able to view and assess the anatomy and function of the rectum, colon and sometimes part of the lower small intestine. The lower GI uses a special form of x-ray called fluoroscopy and a contrast material called barium or a water soluble iodinated contrast.įluoroscopy makes it possible to see internal organs in motion. X-rays are the oldest and most often used form of medical imaging. It exposes you to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. The appendix and a portion of the distal small intestine may also be included.Īn x-ray exam helps doctors diagnose and treat medical conditions. This examination evaluates the right or ascending colon, the transverse colon, the left or descending colon, the sigmoid colon and the rectum. Lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract radiography, also called a lower GI or barium enema, is an x-ray examination of the large intestine, also known as the colon.
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