Locations & Hours | Radiology Services & Procedures | Insurance Info | Policies & Payments General Radiology and Fluoroscopy Conventional Radiographs The conventional radiograph or plain film x-ray is the most frequently requested and performed examination in the radiology department. A technologist in the diagnostic imaging department makes a radiograph by sending x-rays through your body to produce a film or digital image. A radiologist then closely examines the film or image to interpret what it shows. The most common x-ray examinations are those of the chest, abdomen and extremities. Such examinations generally include multiple views because often an abnormality is visible on only one view. By comparing current and previous examinations and films, a radiologist can more easily separate new findings from old ones and determine whether your condition is becoming better or worse. Fluoroscopy Fluoroscopy uses x-rays to produce “real-time” images of the inside of your body that a radiologist observes on a black and white TV monitor. At various times during fluoroscopy, the radiologist may take a picture of what he sees on the monitor. Contrast is necessary for most fluoroscopic examinations and, depending on the type of exam, may be given orally, rectally, or by injection. Fluoroscopic examinations of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, small bowel, and colon) most often use a suspension of barium sulfate as contrast. Barium passes through your body without being absorbed. The following are the most common fluoroscopic exams: Upper Gastrointestinal Series (UGI) This study is used to evaluate the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Using fluoroscopy, the radiologist observes the movement of the barium contrast as it is administered orally and as the patient assumes several different positions on the examination table. As the body moves, so too does the contrast. This allows the radiologist to evaluate different portions of the upper gastrointestinal tract. In some cases, the radiologist will perform an air contrast (also known as a double contrast) UGI. Before drinking the barium contrast, the patient first swallows a powder that produces gas in the stomach and/or esophagus. This test is used to evaluate the function of your upper gastrointestinal tract and to look for ulcers, inflammation, hiatal hernias, and tumors. Barium Swallow (Esophagram, esophagogram) This study evaluates the area between the mouth and stomach. The patient drinks barium contrast as the radiologist observes the movement through the esophagus with fluoroscopy. Small Bowel Series This examination is usually performed immediately following an upper gastrointestinal series to evaluate the function and appearance of the small bowel. After the patient drinks barium, a technologist obtains multiple images as the contrast moves through the bowel. Depending upon how quickly the contrast moves through the bowel, this test can take from under one hour to three hours. Barium Enema This study evaluates the large intestine and is often used to look for or evaluate polyps, colon cancer and inflammatory conditions of the colon including diverticulitis. It is performed by flowing barium into the colon through a tube placed in the rectum. An air contrast (or double contrast) barium enema may also be performed in which the radiologist places air in the colon through the tube in the rectum.