Digital X-ray/Contrast Studies
Digital X-ray has been called one of the most significant advances
in medical history. It is used in many different ways
in medical diagnosis. Routine X-rays involve exposing
a body part to a small dose of radiation to produce
an image of an internal organ. An X-ray image is produced
when a small amount of radiation passes through the body
and strikes a sheet of sensitive film placed on the
other side of the body. This film is then either placed
in a developing machine, to produce images much like
negatives from a 35-mm camera, or is digitally stored
on a computer.
The most common use of X-rays is to identify and treat
bone fractures. It is particularly beneficial in emergency situations.
X-ray images of the skull, spine, joints and extremities can show even
very fine hairline fractures or chips. After treatment, a bone X-ray
can be done to ensure that the fracture has been properly aligned and
stabilized for healing. X-rays can also be used to diagnose and monitor
the progression of degenerative diseases such as arthritis. They play
an important role in the detection and diagnosis of cancer, as well,
although CT, MRI and PET are usually better at defining the extent and
nature of suspected cancer.
X-ray is a fast and easy procedure. Patients will experience no discomfort or side effects from their examination and are allowed to leave immediately following their X-ray test.
Contrast Studies
Espohagram
An examination of the pharynx (throat) and esophagus using still and fluoroscopic X-ray images. The X-ray pictures are taken after the patient drinks a solution that coats and outlines the walls of the esophagus (also called a barium swallow).
Upper GI Series
A series of X-rays of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine (upper gastrointestinal, or GI, tract) that are taken after the patient drinks a barium solution. (Barium is a white, chalky substance that outlines the organs on the X-ray.)
Small Bowel or Small Intestine Series
A series of X-rays of the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the large intestine.
Barium Enema / Lower GI Series
A series of X-rays of the lower intestine (colon) and rectum that are taken after the patient is given an enema with a white, chalky solution that contains barium. The barium outlines the intestines on the X-rays. These X-rays permit the detection of colon and rectal abnormalities including diverticulosis, diverticulitis, abnormal colon movement, dilation (widening) of the colon, polyps and cancers of the colon and rectum. Air can be instilled into the colon along with the barium contrast medium to further define structures of the large bowel and rectum. Polyps and small cancers are more readily found using this method which is called an air contrast barium enema or a double-contrast barium enema. This is the only kind of barium enema that is appropriate for detecting colorectal polyps and potentially curable colorectal cancers.
Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
An X-ray examination of the kidneys, their drainage to the bladder, and the bladder.
Hysterosalpingogram
X-ray of the uterus and Fallopian tubes; usually done in diagnosing infertility to see if there any blockages.
Arthrogram
X-ray of a joint after the injection of a contrast medium to more clearly visualize the joint.