 OVERVIEW & PATIENT INFORMATION |
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Overview
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Diagnostic radiology, as well as routine fluoroscopic examinations are available to study a full range of
disorders and diseases. In this division, X-rays of the chest,
abdomen, spine and extremities are taken, and special tests to view
the stomach and intestines are also performed. All exams
are performed by board-certified radiologists.
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Patient Information
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>
Frequently
Asked Questions
> Preparing
for Your Exam
> Fluoroscopy
>
How
to Find Us
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Frequently Asked Questions on
X-Rays |
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Why do you have to take so many films?
The body
is a three-dimensional structure, but an x-ray is only
two-dimensional. Thus, on a single x-ray, the different parts
of the body are superimposed or overlap one another. By taking
several x-rays in different positions, we can better visualize
the bones and soft tissues to detect any
abnormality.
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Why
does the radiologist have to look at my films? Doesn't my doctor
look at them?
A radiologist is a medical doctor specially
trained to interpret x-rays. Sometimes your doctor will request to see
your x-rays in addition to having the radiologist interpret them. In
this case, you can take your films with you after they have been read
by the radiologist or LDI will arrange for delivery of the films to
your physician.
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Do
you (the technologist) see anything wrong with my
x-rays?
Technologists are not qualified to read your x-rays.
When the technologist checks them, it is to make sure the quality is
good enough for the radiologist to interpret
them.
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I was here
first, why did someone go in before me?
At LDI, we offer many
services in addition to x-rays which require different equipment.
Another person in the waiting room may be having an ultrasound
or CAT
scan and thus is waiting in a different
"line".
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How and when
will I get the results of the exam?
After the scan is
finished, a board-certified radiologist will interpret the
study and send a report to your doctor usually within 24
hours.
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Routine Preparations for General Radiology
Exams |
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For X-rays of the chest, abdomen, spine or
extremities:
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No special
preparation is necessary. |
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For
a barium swallow:
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Do
not eat after midnight before the exam. You may take
routine medications with a sip of water before the
exam. |
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For
a barium enema:
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Obtain
Fleet Enema Prep Kit #1 from LDI and
follow the 18-hour instruction included in the
kit.
Note: Make sure you obtain Fleet Enema Prep
Kit #1, which is different from the general Fleet
Enema. |
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How
long will it take?
A barium swallow, upper GI or barium enema
require 45 minutes to an hour. A small bowel follow-through can take
90 minutes to 3 hours depending upon how fast the barium moves
through the intestines.
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What should I do after the procedure?
Eat normally
and drink plenty of fluids.
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Fluoroscopy |
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Fluoroscopy
can be thought of as an x-ray movie. During this test, the
radiologist watches barium in different parts of the digestive track
and takes a series of still pictures.
The most common
procedures are:
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Upper GI |
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Barium
Swallow |
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Small Bowel
Follow-Through |
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Barium
Enema |
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Conventional as well
as CT / MRI Arthrography |
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For
a barium swallow, upper GI and small bowel
follow-through:
The patient drinks a flavored, barium liquid
which allows the radiologist to see the inside of the esophagus
(food pipe), stomach and small bowel (intestine). Frequently, the
patient will also have to drink seltzer which distends the esophagus
and stomach.
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For
a barium enema:
A tube is inserted into the rectum through
which barium liquid is administered to fill the colon. This is
frequently followed by the administration of air. This test allows
the radiologist to see the inside of the colon.
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