Barium X-rays  (Upper and Lower GI)

What are barium x-rays?
Barium x-rays (also called upper and lower GI series) are used to diagnose abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract, such as tumors, ulcers and other inflammatory conditions, polyps, hernias, and strictures. With the use of barium sulfate, a metallic chemical that x-rays cannot pass through, x-rays are taken of the area under examination.

Why do I need a Barium Enema?
You may need a Barium Enema if you are having abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, or blood in your stool.

Please refer to these instructions when preparing for a scheduled exam.

Barium Enema

DAY BEFORE EXAM

• Drink clear liquid lunch (broth, fruit juice w/o pulp, skim milk, coffee or tea)
  
• Drink one full glass of water at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
  
• Drink clear liquids for supper (broth, fruit juice w/o pulp, coffee or tea). No milk products
  
• At 8 p.m. drink a 10 oz. bottle of Magnesium Citrate.
  
• At 10 p.m. take four (4) Dulcolax tablets and one full glass of water.
  
• At midnight (12 a.m.) or before bedtime, drink one full glass of water.
  
• Nothing to eat or drink after midnight (12 a.m.)

*** You are taking laxative products, please plan
your day accordingly before and after your exam.

Upper GI

• Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the day before the exam.
  
• Diabetic patients should maintain diet as prescribed by their physicians. 
  
• Patients should continue any prescription medication unless informed otherwise by their physicians.

Small Bowel

• Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the day before the exam.
  
• Diabetic patients should maintain diet as prescribed by their physicians.
  
• Patients should continue any prescription medication unless informed otherwise by their physicians.