Common Tests
UGI Series
This test is useful in evaluating the
structure of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (the
first part of your intestine). You will be asked to
swallow barium and X-rays will be taken of the
esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The entire test usually
takes no more than fifteen minutes to twenty minutes. A
mild laxative such as Milk of Magnesia should be taken
after the test to purge the barium since it can
occasionally lead to severe constipation in some
individuals.
Small Bowel
Series
This test is performed to examine the
structure of the small intestine. You will be asked to
swallow barium and X-rays will be taken of the barium as
it travels through the small intestine. The entire test
may take anywhere from a half hour to two hours.
Sometime you may be asked to return at a later time to
complete the X-ray series. A mild laxative such as Milk
of Magnesia should be taken after the test to purge the
barium since it can occasionally lead to severe
constipation in some individuals.
Barium enema (Lower GI Series)
This test is used to evaluate the
structure of the colon or large intestine. The test is
performed by inserting a small tube into the rectum and
a balloon is filled with air so it cannot be easily
expelled. Barium is then instilled through the tube and
the entire colon is filled. When an "air contrast barium
enema" is done, air is also instilled for better
definition. The test should take fifteen to twenty
minutes and you will experience mild cramping and a
moderate urge to have a bowel movement. A mild laxative
such as Milk of Magnesia should be taken after the test
to purge the barium since it can occasionally lead to
severe constipation in some individuals.
CT scan
This is a fairly expensive test that
takes multiple x-rays of the abdomen from different
angles, then a computer puts them all together to
develop a cross-sectional view of different "slices" of
the abdomen. Usually you will be asked to drink thin
barium before the test and IV contrast (iodine based)
will be given. If you are allergic to iodine, several
medicines can be taken for three days before the test
and a low iodine contrast material will be given IV. You
will be moved through a short tunnel-like structure
(about three feet long). The test takes between ten to
thirty minutes and is painless.
Ultrasound
This test is done by passing ultrasound
waves through your abdomen. Usually, the gallbladder,
liver, pancreas and kidney are examined. No radiation is
involved and the test should take no more than ten to
twenty minutes. It is painless, but some pressure is
felt because the ultrasound probe must be firmly pressed
against the abdomen.
Gastric emptying study
This test to performed to evaluate the
function of the stomach, specifically to determine the
length of time it takes to empty the stomach. For this
test, you will be asked to eat a small amount of food
that has a minute amount of radioactive material
attached to it. By using extremely sensitive scanners,
the meal can be seen in the stomach and the time it
takes for the stomach to empty can be determined. If the
test shows slow emptying, your doctor can give you
medicines that can normalize it. The test is painless
and takes sixty to ninety minutes to perform. The
radioactivity you receive is about the same dose as for
a routine chest X-ray and is very safe. |
OFFICE