Upper GI Series
Exam Explanation
An upper GI series is an examination of the stomach using barium to coat the walls of the upper digestive tract so that it may be examined under X-ray. Upper GI series are used to identify any abnormalities such as tumors, ulcers, hernias, pouches, strictures and swallowing difficulties.
Exam Preparation
Patients will be asked to refrain from eating or drinking after midnight on the night before the examination.
During the Exam
The patient will be asked to drink the barium and to swallow baking soda crystals. The patient may be asked to move in different positions while the X-rays are taken.
Small Bowel Follow-Through
Exam Explanation
A barium small bowel follow-through involves filling the small intestine with barium liquid while X-ray images are being taken. Barium small bowel follow-throughs are used to diagnose disorders of the small intestine, such as ulcers, tumors, and inflammatory bowel disease, a group of disorders that includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Exam Preparation
Patients will be asked to refrain from eating or drinking after midnight on the night before the examination.
During the Exam
Patients are given a bottle of barium to drink. X-rays are taken every 20 to 30 minutes over the next hour or two until the entire small bowel is opacified. This exam can take several hours.
Joint Injection
Exam Explanation
A steroid injection includes both a corticosteroid and an anesthetic numbing agent. The medication is injected into the joint capsule of the affected joint.
Exam Preparation
No specific preparation is required. You can expect a telephone call from a technologist before the exam to answer health history questions.
During the Exam
You will be asked to remove any clothing or jewelry that may be in the way and given a gown to change into. The technologist will then position you on the X-ray table. The skin around the joint will be numbed with lidocaine. The steroid will then be injected into the joint using X-ray guidance.
Esophagram
Exam Explanation
An esophagram is an examination of the esophagus, using barium to coat the walls of the upper digestive tract so that it may be examined under X-ray. Esophagrams are used to identify any abnormalities such as tumors, ulcers, hernias, pouches, strictures, and swallowing difficulties.
Exam Preparation
There is no special preparation for an esophagram.
During the Exam
The patient will be asked to drink the barium and to swallow baking soda crystals. The patient may be asked to move in different positions while the X-rays are taken.
