Diagnostic X-Ray

Diagnostic imaging is a tool ordered by your physician to assist in the diagnosis of disease or injury of a specific part of your body. There are many different kinds of diagnostic X-ray procedures. These can range from a basic X-ray of your ankle to the introduction of contrast in a joint space or the digestive system.

Several kinds of equipment can be used, depending upon the procedure being performed. This equipment does emit radiation to produce images. Our staff is comprised of highly trained professionals utilizing the lowest radiation dose possible to produce the best quality images. Lead shielding is also used, when applicable, to protect sensitive areas, such as reproductive, breast and thyroid not being imaged.

Imaging exams are performed on a risk versus benefit basis. The slight risk from the radiation is offset by the benefit of accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

Arthrogram (MR Arthrogram w/GAD)

About

An Arthrogram (or MR arthrogram w/GAD) is a study used to evaluate a specified joint space (knee, hip, shoulder, wrist, etc.) for pain in the joint or other indications that may be chosen by your doctor. (MRI is often used during an arthrogram to image the area of interest after an MRI compatible contrast (GAD) is injected.) During an arthrogram, you will be placed on your back on an X-ray table. A special X-ray camera (fluoroscope) will be used to locate the exact site of injection. The joint area will be cleansed with sterile soap, and a sterile field will be created to prevent infection. A local numbing agent will be used to numb the skin and surrounding tissues. A longer needle will then be introduced to obtain access into the joint capsule. Once access is obtained, a small amount of contrast (commonly referred to as X-ray dye) will be injected to verify needle placement. (If MR arthrogram is ordered, an MRI compatible contrast (GAD) will be injected at this time.) After the injection, the needle will be removed and a bandage placed. Images will be taken (via MRI if applicable) at this time.

Prep

There is no prep for an arthrogram, therefore you may eat, drink and take any necessary medications.
Please bring a list of your current medications.
Contrast agents (X-ray dye) are widely used in the radiology field today; however, if you have a prior history of contrast allergy, please alert the doctor ordering your exam. Pre-medication may be needed. A full medical/allergy history will be obtained prior to beginning the exam.

Duration

An arthrogram takes approximately one hour. Please note that if an MR arthrogram is ordered, this will add to the exam time.

After Exam Care

You may resume a normal diet and your medications as needed after an arthrogram. You will not be placed on restrictions; however, you may experience soreness at the injection site.

How will I get my results?

An interpreting physician (usually a radiologist) will read your exam and make a final diagnosis. His interpretation will be converted to a written report, which will be sent to the physician who ordered your exam. Your physician should present the findings of your exam to you. You may also sign up for a patient portal account at mycrmchealth.org to read your results online.

Barium Enema

About

A Barium Enema (also referred to as SCBE, ACBE, single contrast BE or air contrast BE) is a study that is used to evaluate for constipation, diarrhea, bleeding, abdomen pain, incomplete (or unsuccessful) colonoscopy and other indications that may be chosen by your doctor. During a barium enema, thin barium and air (if applicable) is introduced into the colon (via the rectum) and travels around the curves that naturally occur in the colon. Thin barium is a white, chalky liquid that is seen on X-ray images. Barium enemas are performed very similarly to a cleansing enema that can be done at home; however, the X-ray images that are taken while the barium travels help the radiologist to see the many twists and turns that occur. Special equipment is used to help keep the liquid retained in the colon for the duration of the test. After the barium has outlined the colon, several x-ray images are taken, and then the barium is relieved from the colon.

Prep

We do require a 24-hour bowel prep that can be picked up at CRMC’s Imaging Department or the Outpatient Imaging Center. Please follow the directions as given on the packet. **Please note that if you do not complete your prep, your exam may not be done due to a non-cleansed colon. **

Duration

Barium enema exams typically take one hour. If you have any questions, please contact the Imaging Department at CRMC or the Outpatient Imaging Center.

After Exam Care

You may resume your normal diet and medications after a barium enema. We encourage you to increase your fluid intake for 24-48 hours to help prevent constipation.

How will I get my results?

Barium Swallow (Esophagram)

About

A barium swallow (or esophagram) is a study that can be used to help evaluate esophageal reflux or GERD, difficulties during swallowing, chest pain, esophageal stricture, as well as other indications as chosen by your doctor. During a barium swallow or esophagram, various liquids are ingested including thin and thick barium. Barium is a white, chalky liquid that is seen on an X-ray image as it is being ingested. This helps the radiologist see the size and shape of the esophagus and stomach.

Prep

We usually request that you have nothing to eat or drink for eight hours prior to this exam.

Duration

A barium swallow or esophagram usually takes 10-15 minutes.

After Exam Care

You may resume your normal diet and medications after a barium swallow or esophagram. We encourage you to increase your fluid intake for 24-48 hours to help prevent constipation.

How will I get my results?

Modified Barium Swallow (Video Swallow)

About

A modified barium swallow is a study that is used to evaluate swallowing difficulties that may be related to aspiration (passage of liquid or food particles into the windpipe). A consult with a speech pathologist is required prior to scheduling this procedure. Indications for this exam may be coughing during or after eating or drinking, when there is suspicion of food or liquids passing into the trachea (windpipe), as well as other indications that may be chosen by your doctor. During a modified barium swallow, various thicknesses from thin barium to thickened (softened cracker type) barium and/or paste are ingested. Barium is a white, chalky liquid that is seen on an X-ray image as it is being ingested. This helps the radiologist see the swallowing mechanisms during swallowing. This also helps the speech pathologist decide a recommended diet (liquids only, pureed foods, etc.).

Prep

There is no prep required prior for this exam; therefore, you can eat, drink and take any necessary medications.

Duration

A modified barium swallow takes approximately 15 minutes.

After Exam Care

You may resume your normal diet (or as recommended by the speech pathologist) and medications after a modified barium swallow. We encourage you to increase your fluid intake for the next 24-48 hours (or as directed by the speech pathologist) to help prevent constipation.

How will I get my results?

Cystogram or Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG)

About

A cystogram or voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is a study used to evaluate for UTIs, painful urination, history of ureteral reflux and other indications that may be chosen by your doctor. During a cystogram or VCUG, a small, flexible catheter will be introduced into the bladder via the urethra (tube that passes urine from the bladder to outside the body). This is often referred to as a urinary catheter. The catheter is used to deliver contrast (often referred to as X-ray dye) to the bladder. This contrast agent is seen on the X-ray images and helps the radiologist to see the size, shape and sometimes the function of the bladder. Once the contrast has filled the bladder, several X-ray images will be taken.

Prep

There is no prep for this exam; therefore, you may eat, drink and take any necessary medications.
Contrast agents are widely used in today’s radiology field; however, if you have a prior history of contrast allergy, please alert the doctor ordering the exam. Pre-medication may be necessary. A full medical/allergy history will be performed prior to beginning the exam.

Duration

A cystogram or VCUG typically takes one hour; however, this can vary depending on what your doctor has ordered and your age.

After Exam Care

You may resume your normal diet, activities and medications; however, increased fluid intake may be encouraged.

How will I get my results?

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

About

A hysterosalpingogram (or HSG) is a study used to evaluate the uterus and fallopian tubes for help in diagnosing causes for infertility, permanent birth control placements and other indications that may be chosen by your doctor. During a hysterosalpingogram, a speculum will be used to visualize the cervix in a similar fashion to an annual pap smear. A small catheter will be placed into the cervix, and a contrast agent (often referred to as X-ray dye) will be injected into the uterus and fallopian tubes. X-ray images will be taken just after and during the injection of contrast. The contrast agent helps the radiologist to see the size and shape of the uterus as well as the patency of the fallopian tubes (if applicable).

Prep

Please ensure that your hysterosalpingogram is scheduled to be performed after the last day of bleeding and no later than 12 days after the start of a normal menstrual period.
Please do not have any sexual activity five to seven days prior to your exam.
There is no dietary prep for a hysterosalpingogram; therefore, you may eat and drink as necessary.
Contrast agents are widely used in the radiology field today; however, if you have a prior history of contrast allergy, please alert the doctor ordering the exam. Pre-medication may be needed. A full medical/allergy history will be performed prior to beginning the exam.

Duration

A hysterosalpingogram takes approximately one hour.

After Exam Care

You may resume your normal diet and medications (or as directed by your OB/GYN).
Please do not use tampons for 24 hours after your exam.
Please note that you may experience spotting and/or cramping after your exam. Please plan to wear appropriate undergarments to accommodate a sanitary pad. You may use over-the-counter medications as needed for cramping (or as directed by our OB/GYN).

How will I get my results?

Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)

About

An Intravenous Pyelogram (may also be referred to as IVP without tomos or IVP Limited) is a study used to evaluate for kidney stones, ureteral stones, UTIs or other indications that may be chosen by your doctor. During an IVP, an IV will be started in an accessible vein, and a contrast agent (often referred to as X-ray dye) is injected into the bloodstream. The contrast agent travels through the blood and is filtered by the kidneys, therefore allowing the Radiologist to see the size, shape and functioning of the kidneys, ureters and bladder on the X-ray images.

Prep

We request that you have full liquids eight hours prior to exam, and nothing to eat or drink four hours prior to the exam.
Contrast agents are widely used in today’s radiology field; however, if you have a prior history of contrast allergy, please alert the doctor ordering the exam and schedule accordingly. Pre-medication will be needed prior to the exam. A full medical/allergy history will be performed prior to beginning the exam.

Duration

An IVP typically takes one hour; however, additional delayed x-ray images may be necessary as decided by the radiologist.

After Exam Care

You may resume your normal diet and activities; however, we encourage increased fluid intake for the next 24-48 hours.

How will I get my results?

Percutaneous Nephrostogram

About

A percutaneous nephrostogram is a study used to evaluate for a blockage in the kidney or ureter. During a percutaneous nephrostogram, the tube that has been placed in the kidney will be used to introduce a contrast agent (often referred to as X-ray dye). The contrast agent will be injected and will help the radiologist to see if there is a blockage in the kidney or ureter.

Prep

We request that you have nothing to eat or drink four hours prior to the exam.
Contrast agents are widely used in today’s radiology field; however, if you have a prior history of contrast allergy, please alert the doctor ordering the exam and schedule accordingly. Pre-medication may be needed. A full medical/allergy history will be performed prior to beginning the exam.

Duration

A percutaneous nephrostogram typically takes 15-30 minutes; however, it can take longer depending on the outcome of the injection.

After Exam Care

You may resume a normal diet; however, increased fluid intake may be encouraged.

How will I get my results?

Retrograde Urethrogram

About

A retrograde urethrogram is a study used to evaluate for painful urination, UTIs, stricture of urethra, or other indications that may be chosen by your doctor. During a retrograde urethrogram, a small, flexible catheter will be inserted into the very end of the urethra (the tube that passes urine from the bladder to the outside of the body). This is similar to a urinary catheter; however, the catheter does not enter the bladder. The catheter is used to deliver a contrast agent (often referred to as X-ray dye) into the urethra. This contrast agent is seen on the X-ray images and helps the radiologist to see the size, shape and sometimes functionality of the urethra.

Prep

There is no prep for this exam; therefore, you may eat, drink and take any necessary medications.
Contrast agents are widely used in today’s radiology field; however, if you have a prior history of contrast allergy, please alert the doctor ordering the exam. Pre-medication may be needed. A full medical/allergy history will be performed prior to beginning the exam.

Duration

A retrograde urethrogram typically takes 30 minutes to one hour.

After Exam Care

You may resume your normal diet, activities and medications; however, increased fluid intake may be encouraged.

How will I get my results?

Small Bowel Series

About

A small bowel series is a study that is used to evaluate for stomach pain, bowel (or intestinal) obstruction, diarrhea, Crohn's disease or other indications as chosen by your doctor. During a small bowel series, thin barium is ingested, and X-ray images of the abdomen are performed on a timed schedule. Thin barium is a white, chalky liquid that is seen on an X-ray image after being ingested. This helps the radiologist see the stomach and intestines and also the amount of time it takes to travel through the small intestine.

Prep

We require you to have nothing to eat or drink for eight hours prior to this exam.

Duration

Small bowel series exams can take anywhere from one to four hours. Since this exam is based on the time it takes for the barium to travel from the stomach to the end of the small intestine, a more accurate time frame is difficult to quote. **Please note that if your order states "Upper GI with Small Bowel Follow Through (or AC UGI with SBFT)," please see the informational page for upper GI also. This would indicate that both the UGI and the small bowel series are performed together at one time. It will add approximately 15 minutes more to the exam time. **

After Exam Care

You may resume your normal diet and medications after a small bowel series. We encourage you to increase your fluid intake for the next 24-48 hours to help prevent constipation.

How will I get my results?

Sniff Test

About

A sniff test is an exam used to evaluate the diaphragm for paralysis and/or movement. During a sniff test, you will stand behind a special X-ray camera (fluoroscopy) and will be instructed to “sniff." Different variations of breathing may be requested by the performing practitioner.

Prep

There is no prep for a sniff test; therefore, you may take your medication, eat and drink as needed.

Duration

A sniff test takes approximately 10 minutes.

After Exam Care

There are restrictions after a sniff test. You may resume all normal activity, diet and medications.

How will I get my results?

Steroid Injection

About

A steroid injection (which may also be referred to as hip injection, shoulder injection, knee injection, etc.) is an exam performed to inject a steroid and other agents (as ordered by your doctor) into a specific joint. This exam is used in attempt to relieve pain as well as other indications that may be chosen by your doctor. During a steroid injection, you will be placed on an X-ray table on your back. A special x-ray camera (fluoroscope) will be used to locate the exact site of injection. The joint area will be cleansed with sterile soap, and a sterile field will be created to prevent infection. A local numbing agent will be used to numb the skin and surrounding tissues. A longer needle will then be introduced to obtain access into the joint capsule. Once access is obtained, a small amount of contrast (commonly referred to as X-ray dye) will be injected to verify needle placement, and the steroid mixture will be injected. The needle will then be removed and a bandage placed on the injection site. You may be instructed to manipulate the affected area to help disperse the steroid mixture.

Prep

There is no prep for a steroid injection; therefore, you may eat, drink and take any necessary medications.
Please bring a list of your current medications.
Contrast agents (X-ray dye) are widely used in the radiology field today; however, if you have a prior history of contrast allergy, please alert the doctor ordering your exam. Pre-medication may be needed. A full medical/allergy history will be obtained prior to the beginning the exam.

Duration

A steroid injection takes approximately 30 minutes to one hour.

After Exam Care

You may resume your normal diet and medications after your steroid injection. You will not be placed under restrictions; however, you may experience soreness at the injection site.

How will I get my results?

Upper GI (AC UGI or SC UGI)

About

An upper GI (also referred to as AC UGI or SC UGI) is a study that can be used to help evaluate for stomach pain, hiatial hernia, belching, reflux or GERD, as well as other indications as chosen by your doctor. During an upper GI (or UGI), various liquids are ingested, including thin and thick barium. Barium is a white, chalky liquid that is seen on an X-ray image as it is being ingested. This helps the radiologist see the size and shape of the stomach.

Prep

We request that you have nothing to eat or drink eight hours prior to this exam.

Duration

An upper GI (or UGI) takes approximately 15 minutes. **Please note that if your order states: "Upper GI with Small Bowel Follow Through (or UGI with SBFT)," please see informational page on small bowel series also. This would indicate that both the UGI and small bowel series are performed together at one time and will lengthen the duration of the exam. **

After Exam Care

You may resume your normal diet and medications after an upper GI. We encourage you to increase your fluid intake for 24-48 hours to help prevent constipation.