X-ray and Fluoroscopy
Many x-ray and fluoroscopy procedures do not need any special preparation. These are things such as bone x-rays or chest x-rays.
The exceptions are: Barium Enema, Upper GI and Upper GI Small Bowel, Esophagram, IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram; kidney X-ray.) For these preparations, see below.
Barium Enema
(exam time: 60 min)- If you are on a salt restricted diet or have severe renal insufficiency, DO NOT use prep. You should consult your physician for bowel cleansing prep.
Breakfast: | Clear soup (any broth); strained fruit juices without pulp; flavored jello of any color (do not add extra ingredients); soft drinks, black coffee or plain tea. |
Noon: | Clear soup (any broth); strained fruit juices without pulp; flavored jello of any color (do not add extra ingredients); soft drinks, black coffee or plain tea. |
1:00pm | Drink one (1) full 8 fl. oz glass of water |
2:00pm | Drink one (1) full 8 fl. oz glass of water |
3:00pm | Drink one (1) full 8 fl. oz glass of water |
4:00pm | Drink one (1) full 8 fl. oz glass of water |
Dinner: | |
5:00pm | Clear soup (any broth); strained fruit juices without pulp; flavored jello of any color (do not add extra ingredients); soft drinks, black coffee or plain tea. |
5:30pm | 10 oz. bottle of Magnesium Citrate Oral Solution |
6:00pm | Drink one (1) full 8 fl. oz glass of water |
7:00pm | Drink one (1) full 8 fl. oz glass of water |
7:30pm | Take two (2) 5 mg Dulcolax (Bisacodyl tablets) with an 8 fl. Oz glass of water. DO NOT CHEW TABLETS |
8:00pm | Drink one (1) full 8 fl. oz glass of water |
9:00pm | Drink one (1) full 8 fl. oz glass of water. Do not eat after 9:00pm. |
*Day of Procedure - Clear liquids only on the day of your exam. Do not eat or drink anything for 4 hours prior to your exam.
Day Prior to Procedure: PEDIATRIC:
- Patients less than 4 years - No prep
- 4 years - 16 years: Clear liquid dinner the day before the procedure. Clear liquids only on the day of exam.
*If a referring physician requests a prep, contact radiology at 310-423-2723 and ask to speak to a GI radiologist.
Upper GI and Upper GI Small Bowel Prep
(exam time: 30-120 minutes)- Pediatric: Please try to withhold feeding prior to exam so that child arrives hungry.
- (4yrs - 16 yrs): Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
- Adults: Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
Esophagram
(exam time: 45 min)- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram; kidney X-ray)
(exam time: 60 min)- Adults: Do not eat or drink for 4 hours prior to your procedure.
- Pediatric Patients (newborn-16 yrs): Do not eat or drink for 2 hours prior to the procedure.
