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Preparing for General Radiography Procedures

Barium Enema
Two days before your appointment:
  • Purchase the following from your pharmacy: 

         1 bottle of magnesium citrate oral solution
         3 biscodyl tablets
         1 suppository

  • Do not eat anything after 6:00 pm.
On the day before the examination:
  • AM Breakfast:
    Clear liquids only.  Clear liquids include clear soup, plain Jell-O, clear juice (apple, grape, cranberry), strained orange juice or drink made with crystals such as Tang.  Popsicle, pop (Ginger Ale or 7-Up).  Tea or coffee.  No milk or milk products.

  • 12 Noon Lunch:
    Continue clear liquids.  No milk or milk products.

  • 12:30pm (or 1/2 hour after lunch)
    Drink entire bottle of magnesium citrate oral solution over ice.  A strong bowel cleansing action should be expected in 3 to 6 hours after drinking this preparation.

  • 1:00 pm
    Drink 225 ml (8 oz) Water.

  • 3:00 pm
    Take all BISACODYL tablets with a large glass of water.  Swallow tablets whole, one at a time (do not crush or chew the tablets).

  • 4:00 pm
    Drink 225 ml (8 oz) Water.

  • 5:00 pm
    Liquid dinner.

  • 6:00 pm
    Drink 225 ml (8 oz) Water.

  • 9:00 pm
    Drink 225 ml (8 oz) Water.

  • 10:00 pm
    Remove foil wrapper from suppository and insert into rectum as far as possible.  Wait atleast 10-15 minutes before expelling, if possible, even if the urge is strong
On the day of the examination:
  • Do not have any food or fluids until after the examination.  You may take your regular medications with a SIP of water.

Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD)
  • There are no special preparations required for this procedure.

Small Bowell Follow Through
  • No food or drink after midnight the night before the exam.
  • Take medication as normal the night before the exam.   Delay taking your morning medication until after the exam, if possible.  Essential medication may be taken with a SIP of water.
  • This procedure can take from 1 to 4 hours to complete.

Upper GI, Bowell Swallow
  • No food or drink after midnight the night before the exam.
  • Take medication as normal the night before the exam.  Delay taking your morning medication until after the exam, if possible.  Essential medication may be taken with a SIP of water.


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