- Barium Enema
- Cancellations
- CT (CAT Scan)
- Family Members
- Fluoroscopy
- IVP
- MRI
- Results
- What to Bring
- No.
Can you suggest what I can have on my “liquid diet”? - Some suggestions include: Water, broth, fruit juice, or plain gelatin. No dairy products are allowed.
I recently had a colonoscopy. What is the difference between a colonoscopy and a Barium Enema? - A colonoscopy is a procedure where sedation is required. A scope is utilized to directly visualize the colon while dilating the bowel with air.
A Barium Enema is an x-ray test in which a white liquid, called barium is placed into the rectum and colon through the anus to enhance the visualization of the large bowel (colon) without the need for sedation. Barium or a combination of barium and air is utilized to study the colon. The radiologist and your referring clinician will determine whether a single or double contrast study will be performed depending on your condition and clinical scenario.
What will I experience during a Barium Enema?- As the barium fills your colon, you will feel the need to move your bowel. You may feel abdominal pressure, or even minor cramping. These are common sensations, and most people tolerate the mild discomfort easily. The tip of the enema tube is specially designed to help you hold in the barium. If you are having trouble, let the technologist know.
Does the barium prep have any side effects? - Your stools may appear white for a day or so, as your body clears the metallic liquid from your system. You will be encouraged to drink plenty of water for 24 hours after the examination. After a barium enema, some people experience constipation. If you do not have a bowel movement for more than two days after your exam, or are unable to pass gas rectally, call your doctor promptly. You may need an enema or laxative to assist in eliminating the barium and your doctor will prescribe the right solution for you.
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Cancellations
What do I need to do if I need to reschedule or cancel my appointment?
If cancellation is necessary, please call at least 24 hours in advance to cancel/reschedule your appointment. Your courtesy will allow other patients needing exams, the option to use your scheduled appointment time.
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CT Scans
Is CT (Cat Scan) an invasive exam?- No.
What is the length of a CT (Cat Scan) exam? - The length of a CT, or Cat Scan is approximately 20 minutes. Because you are required to arrive 30 minutes before your exam begins, you can plan on being at our office for approximately 1 hour.
What does the oral prep do? - Oral prep fills the digestive system to aid in visualization of your internal organs.
What does the IV contrast do? - An IV injection of a contrast material is used to enhance the visibility of certain tissues or blood vessels. A small needle connected to an intravenous line is placed in an arm or hand vein. The contrast material will be injected through this line.
If the radiologist believes that an intravenous (IV) injection of a contrast material will be helpful, you will be asked in advance whether you have had allergies in the past or have ever had a serious reaction to medication. Many contrast materials contain iodine, which can cause such a reaction in persons who are allergic.
Why do you have to get the blood levels checked if on certain diabetic medications?- Contrast material could lead to a condition called metabolic acidosis when given to patients taking certain medications for diabetes.
- Metabolic acidosis is when there is excessive acidity of the blood. Metabolic acidosis can occur as a result of many different diseases, such as kidney failure, poisoning, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and shock.
Where do you go to get the blood work? Do I go to my referring doctor? - Yes. Your primary or referring physician will decide if blood work is necessary. If blood work is necessary, your primary or referring physician will order the proper lab test.
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Family Members
May a family member go in the room with me during my exam? If so, which exams permit this?- Family members going in the room during any exam is discouraged unless the patient has physical or mental limitations and/or the patient is elderly or a child.
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Fluoroscopy
Is Fluoroscopy an invasive exam? - No.
What are the side effects of the gastro prep? - Side effects may include loose stools or diarrhea. Laxatives are not needed.
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IVP
Is an IVP an invasive exam? - No.
How long is the test? - An IVP takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
What if you are diabetic and are not able to stay on liquids from 1:00pm the day before? - Under these circumstances, you are able to eat to maintain your blood sugar level. The minimum amount of food needed to keep sugar level within a normal range is allowed.
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MRI
What is the weight limit for MRI? - The weight limit for MRI ranges from 300lbs. to 500 lbs., depending on the MRI scanner the exam is being performed and the type of MRI you are having.
Is MRI an invasive exam? - No.
Do we give medication for claustrophobia? - No, if a mild sedative is needed, your primary care or referring physician will prescribe this medication before you come for your exam. If it is not known that medication will be needed to complete the exam, you will return to your doctor to receive a prescription for a mild sedative.
How do you get medication if you are claustrophobic? - If you are claustrophobic, you will receive a prescription for medication from your primary care or referring physician.
Why do we have to have comparison films? - We have comparison films to see if any changes have taken place since your last exam.
What does a MRI show that a CT (Cat Scan) doesn't? - An MRI is superior when evaluating certain structures, such as the brain, spine, and joints, among other imaging methods.
Can I have a MRI if I have metal in my body? - In some cases the exam is safe for patients with metal implants. You will be prescreened to determine whether or not you are a candidate for an MRI.
Why do we have to do orbits if I go to the eye doctor each year? - To screen for metallic objects which may cause harm to the internal tissues of the orbits.
What does a MRA show that a MRI doesn't? - MRI looks at the organs and soft tissues of the body. MRA looks specifically at the blood vessels.
If I start having trouble during the exam can the person performing the exam take me out? - Yes. The technologist will be able to hear you throughout the exam. If at any point during the exam you begin to feel uncomfortable or begin having any trouble at all, you will be able to communicate these concerns to the technologist. If removing you from the MRI machine is necessary, we will do that.
Can someone hear me when I'm in the machine? - Yes. You will be monitored throughout the exam to make sure you are comfortable.
Can we bring our own music? - To maximize your comfort throughout the exam, music systems are in place with headphones. Patients are welcome to bring a CD of their choice to listen to during the exam.
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Results
How long does it take to get my results back from my doctor? - Your primary care or referring physician will receive your results as soon as possible. In the vast majority of the cases the final report is submitted to the referring physician the same day. You will be contacted by your primary care or referring physician’s office as soon as the results are available to them. A stat read, or wet read are interpreted first, due to the urgency of these results.
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What to Bring
- What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring the written order form from your physician, your insurance card (or information Radiology Associates of Ocala will submit regarding Worker’s Comp or an Automobile Accident), and any previous films that may be used for comparison.
BARIUM ENEMA
If I have a colostomy do I still use the suppository?
