Arthrogram
Allow 1 hour

An arthogram is a study of joint spaces. Following the use of local anesthetic contrast material and/or air is injected into the joint space. Several films will be taken. After your examination is completed, the contrast material will be completely absorbed in 24 to 48 hours. The radiologist recommends that your activity be limited for 24 hours after the exam. Please bring any films of the joint to be examined which have been taken in the last six months.

Barium Enema
Allow 1 hour

A barium enema is an examination of your large intestine. A tube will be placed in your rectum, and barium and air will be instilled through the tube to fill the intestine. Several films will then be obtained. To insure a satisfactory study it is necessary that your bowel be entirely free of fecal material. To accomplish this, it is very important that the instructions be followed carefully and completely, and that no food or fluids other than those listed be substituted.

You may expect the laxative to begin its cleaning action approximately three to eight hours after you take it.

Preparation:
The day BEFORE the examination A non-residue diet is required beginning 24 hours before the examination. This may consist of clear soup, sugar-free jello, liguid non-pulpy unsweetend juice, sugar-free soda, black coffee or tea without sugar or milk. Do not eat or drink any solid foods, milk or cream.

Be sure to read all the accompanying directions and warnings thoroughly before using the kit. If you have any questions be sure to ask your doctor.

1. Drink one large glass of water each hour, from 1pm until 9pm.
2. At 5pm: slowly add contents of packet (Magnesium Citrate) to 8oz. of cold water in a large (minimum 12oz.) glass, while gently stirring. After effervescence (fizzing) stops, stir again and drink.
3. At bedtime: Push the four enclosed Bisacodyl tablets through the backing to remove from blister, and take with a glass of water. Do not chew tablets. Tablets taken at bedtime are usually effective by the following morning.

1. Do not have anything to eat or drink
2. To use the Bisacodyl Suppository, push it through the backing and remove it from the blister, remove the foil wrapper and insert the suppository into the rectum two hours before your appointment time. Retain for 15 minutes.

Esophagram
Allow 20 minutes

An Esophagram is an examination of your throat and esophagus. While you swallow the barium, the radiologist will observe on a fluoroscope and take a series of x-rays.

Preparation:
No preparation.

Cystogram
Allow 1 hour

This is a study of the bladder and urethra. A catheter is placed into the bladder and contrast material is instilled until your bladder is full. The technologists will take several films including one while you empty your bladder.

Preparation:
No preparation.

Hysterosalphingogram
Allow 1 hour

A hysterosalpingogram, or HSG, is an examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes to evaluate for blockage, inflammation and other diseases. The radiologist places a speculum into the vagina. A small tube will be placed into the uterus and contrast material injected. The doctor will watch under fluoroscopy, and obtain films. After the examination is complete, some cramping and spotting may occur.

1. The exam should be scheduled to occure 7-10 days after the first day of a normal menstrual period.
2. Do not have unprotected intercourse from the beginning of your menstrual period until the examination is completed.

IVP-Intravenous Pyelogram
Allow 1 hour

An IVP is an examination which shows the urinary tract from the kidneys to the bladder. You will receive an injection of contrast material in your vein which will make the urinary tract visible on x-ray film. The technologist will then take a series of films over the next several minutes.

1. On the day before the examination, drink clear liquids only (water, clear apple juice, bouillon, or clear broth; no dairy products or solid foods).
2. At 8:00p,. take two Dulcolax (biscodol) tablets (5mg each), and eight ounces of clear liquid.
3. Take nothing by mouth after midnight. If your examination is scheduled for after 12:00 noon, you may have a light clear liquid breakfast before 8:00am on the day of the examination.

Small Bowel Series
Allow at least 2 hours (may take up to 4 hours)

This is a study to evaluate the small intestine. It may be performed on its own or after an upper gastrointentinal series. Barium is taken orally. A series of x-rays are taken as barium flows from the stomach. Through the small intestine, to the colon.

Preparation:
Do not eat, drink, chew gum or use tobacco after midnight the night before your exam. Continue any prescribed medications but use as little water as possible. A laxative may be taken following the exam to prevent constipation caused by the barium.

UGI-Upper Gastrointestinal Series
Allow 30 minutes

This is a study of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum after drinking barium. The radiologist will observe a TV screen/fluoroscope while placing the patient in a variety of positions. Films are obtained during and after fluoroscopy.

Preparation:
Do not eat, drink, chew gum or use tobacco after 10pm the night before your exam. Continue any prescribed medications but use as little water as possible. A laxative may be taken following the exam to prevent constipation caused by the barium.