What is a Lower GI tract X-ray?

A barium based contrast material and a real time x-ray called fluoroscopy is used in lower GI tract x-ray to visualize the various parts of your digestive system.  It is a non-invasive alternative to colonoscopy.

Why have I been asked to get a Lower GI tract  X-ray done?

Lower GI tract X-ray is performed to:

• Determine the reason for any pain in passing of stool

• Check up for constipation problem or passing of blood in stool.

• Determine any indigestion or blockage in the large intestine

• Determine cancer or tumour

• Assess any bowel related irregularities

Names of Previous reports/scans required?

• Your entire current medical file and prescription set to be aware of your medical conditions and any sort of allergies.

• Serum Creatinine reports(not older than 4 weeks) are required to check for the health of your kidneys in case we need to use contrast media to get better images during the scan (preferable to do it on the day of the scan in our lab since it is most indicative of the creatinine level at that time)

How long is the procedure for?

• Total time – 1 hr 

• Test time- 10-15 mins

Can I walk in for a Lower GI tract  X-ray without prior appointment?

•  Yes  (Confirm by calling on 8869906990 before arriving at the centre)

History of allergy?

N/A

How can I prepare for the x-ray?

• When you schedule your lower GI x-ray or Barium Enema X-ray, you will receive detailed instructions on how to prepare. For example, you may be told to not eat or drink anything beginning at midnight,  the night before your scan.

•  You are encouraged to drink only clear liquids a day before your scan. Avoid milk and dairy products.

• Take medication only with sips of water and limit your clear water intake a day before your  X-ray.

• You will be instructed to take laxatives or enema the night before the X-ray to clear your bowels.

• If there is a chance you may be pregnant, inform us. We may not be able to go ahead with the X-ray in that case. Wear comfortable clothing and avoid jewellery or any other metal on the body.

• It is recommended to empty your bladder before the test

• inform if you have an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted for pregnancy prevention.

How is the Lower GI tract  X-ray done ?

The lower GI examination is usually done on an outpatient basis and is often scheduled in the morning to reduce the patient’s fasting time.

• The first step is to take an X-ray of the patient to ensure that the bowel is clean

• The next step is to insert barium, air and water into the colon.

• Then a series of images are generated. It’s important that the patient stays very still and may also be asked to hold their breath for a few seconds during the time which the image is obtained.

•  X-ray will be taken from various positions so you may also be asked to be in different positions for different angles

• The patient will remove the barium through stool movement in the restroom after the scan