Preparations – X-ray, Lower GI Tract

You will be given detailed instructions on how to prepare for your x-ray of your lower GI tract when you schedule your exam

You should inform your radiologist of any medications you are taking and if you have any allergies, especially to barium or iodinated contrast materials. Also inform your radiologist about recent illnesses or other medical conditions.

On the day before the procedure you will be asked not to eat, and to drink only clear liquids like juice, tea, black coffee, cola or broth, and to avoid dairy products. After midnight, you should not eat or drink anything. For adults (but not usually in children), it is important that your colon be completely empty for the procedure. You may also be instructed to take a laxative (in either pill or liquid form) and to use an over-­‐the-­‐counter enema preparation the night before the examination and possibly a few hours before the procedure. You can take your usual prescribed oral medications with limited amounts of water. Be sure to follow the instructions you are given.

You may be asked to remove some or all of your clothes and to wear a gown during the exam. You may also be asked to remove jewelry, removable dental appliances, eye glasses and any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the x-ray images.

Women should always inform their radiologist and x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.

Preparation Instructions