Preparing for Exam
Stamford Hospital Imaging department is committed to meeting all your traditional imaging needs along with providing excellent patient services by using state of the art equipment to minimize the amount of radiation received during your exam. Through a collaborated approach to radiation safety, all of our radiologic technologists have pledged to Image Wisely and Gently through the American College of Radiology (ACR). This commitment reflects our utmost priority in keeping our patients safe when it comes to radiation dose.
Our board-certified radiologists meet the strict credentialing and continuing education requirements of the American College of Radiology. Radiologists are always onsite, directing and monitoring exams and answering questions from you or your doctor. Preliminary results of all exams are communicated promptly to the referring physician, and a written final report follows within a few days.
Services we provide include
- X-Ray/radiology
- IVP of the urinary system (kidneys, ureters and bladder)
- GI series of the esophagus and stomach (upper GI series) and small intestine (small bowel series)
- Barium enema for the large intestine (colon)
- HSG (hysterosalpingogram) exam of the uterus and the fallopian tubes
Gastro-Intestinal Examinations
Barium Enema
A few days before your exam, purchase the following:
- Miralax 238 gram (8.3 ounce) bottle
- Bisacodyl,(generic) or Dulcolax (brand name)laxative tablets (small box)
- 64 oz of Gatorade or other sports drink
- Desitin or A&D ointment to protect your anal skin from the diarrhea
- caused by the prep.
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ONE DAY BEFORE YOUR EXAMINATION
- Breakfast: Eat a light breakfast. (Juice, cereal with skim milk, toast with jelly, coffee or tea)
- Lunch: Have a light lunch around noon. Your may have Clear liquids*, small portions of chicken (white meat only) or fish, plain gelatin, white bread (no butter), eggs (boiled or poached), farina (not oatmeal).
- *Clear liquids include strained fruit juices without pulp ( i.e. apple, white grape, lemonade), sports drinks or punch, water , clear broth or bouillon, (fat-free), coffee or tea without milk or non-dairy creamer).
- AVOID: vegetables, fruits, or fruit nectars (only clear juices allowed), nuts, fats, butter, milk, or any milk product, fried food, beef, pork or lamb, and whole grain cereal. It is advisable to reduce fruit/vegetable intake for 2 days before exam.
You should be on clear liquids only from 2pm on. Mix ALL of the Miralax with the 64 oz of Gatorade and refrigerate.
At 5pm take the 4 Dulcolax/bisacodyl tables, one at a time with 5 minutes between each one, each with a full glass of water.
At 6pm begin drinking the Miralax mixture. Try to drink the entire solution within an hour to a hour and a half. It is important to drink plenty of clear fluids until bedtime to ensure hydration. -
DAY OF EXAMINATION
- Do NOT eat any solid food until after the examination.
- If you are thirsty, you may drink a small quantity (up to 8oz.) of water 2 hours PRIOR to the exam. Do not drink anything immediately before the exam. The test will take 30-45 minutes.
- Small Bowel Follow-Through
- No eating or drinking after midnight. This exam may take up to four hours to follow contrast through the small intestine.
- Upper GI(list and hyperlink to the info below)
- No eating or drinking after midnight. This test usually takes one hour.
Genitourinary Examinations
Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
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ONE DAY BEFORE YOUR EXAMINATION
- Breakfast: You may eat a normal breakfast
- Lunch: Have a light lunch around noon. You may have clear liquids*, small portions of chicken ( white meat only) or fish, plain gelatin, white bread (no butter), eggs ( boiled or poached), farina ( not oatmeal).
- *Clear liquids include strained fruit juices without pulp (i.e. apple, white grape, lemonade),sports drinks or punch, water, clear broth or bouillon (fat-free), coffee or tea ( without milk or non-dairy creamer).
- AVOID: vegetables, fruits, fruit nectars (-only clear juices allowed), nuts, fats, butter, milk; or any milk product, fried food ,beef, pork or lamb, and whole grain cereal.
You should be on clear liquids only from 5pm on.
It is important to drink plenty of clear fluids until bedtime to ensure hydration. -
DAY OF EXAMINATION:
- Do NOT eat any solid food until after the examination.
- If you are thirsty, you may drink a small quantity (up to 8oz.) of water 2 hours PRIOR to the exam. Do not drink anything immediately before the exam
- Lab work is required for any patient over the age of 65.
GET THE LEAD OUT... NO MORE LEAD APRONS
Because of advances in X-ray technology, Stamford Health no longer recommends the use of lead shields. Here’s why:
- Current X-ray equipment uses much lower doses of radiation. New research shows that shields offer no real benefit.
- Stamford Health’s radiology team is dedicated to delivering safe, advanced care endorsed by expert groups and national societies.*
Questions? Please feel free to discuss your preferences with your care team.
*Endorsed by the American College of Radiology, Image Gently and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine