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Diagnostic
Imaging
 Plain
X-Rays and Barium Studies
X-rays
are forms of electromagnetic radiation like light. They are higher in
energy however, and can penetrate the body so that images of internal
structures can be obtained. X-rays are used to expose a photographic plate
so that it becomes darker. X-rays show parts of the body in various shades
of gray, with some structures, (e.g. bone) being whiter than other structures
(e.g. lung) which are seen as darker structures. Sometimes, materials
such barium are used to increase the contrast between different structures.
Traditional
radiography and fluoroscopy continue to be important diagnostic tools
at Missouri Delta Medical Center. This includes barium studies such as
the Upper Gastrointestinal Services (UGI) and Barium Enema (BE) as well
as plain X-rays. Missouri Delta Medical Center's registered technologists
employ the latest equipment and rare earth film screen systems to insure
low dose, high quality X-rays.
WOMEN
OF CHILDBEARING AGE: If you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant,
please let your physician know immediately.
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What
is a Barium Enema and how do I prepare for it?
A
Barium Enema is an X-ray examination of the colon after a barium
liquid is instilled to allow better visualization. A barium enema
can detect colon cancer as well as other disorders of the colon
such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's disease and Ulcerative
Colitis). Your cooperation is needed to prepare your colon to provide
the best possible study, and avoid a sub-optimal or uninterpretable
examination which would in turn necessitate a more costly, more
invasive subsequent evaluation. When you schedule your study with
us you will receive specific instructions that must be followed
exactly.
What
is an Upper Gastrointestinal Series and how do I prepare for it?
An Upper Gastrointestinal Series involves
taking X-rays of the esophagus, stomach and/or small intestines
after ingestion of a barium liquid. An Upper Gastrointestinal Series
can detect disorders such as ulcers and certain cancers. To prepare
for the test, just don't have anything to eat or drink after midnight
on the day of the examination. If you need to take medications that
cannot wait until after the examination is over (usually about mid-morning)
take it with a tiny sip of water. If you are a diabetic and cannot
fast, let us know.
For
more information, please contact us online
or by telephone at 573-471-1600.
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