What is a small bowel series test?
What is a small bowel series test?
What is a Small Bowel Series? A small bowel series is an x-ray examination of the small intestine that uses a special form of x-ray called fluoroscopy and an orally ingested contrast material called barium. An x-ray (radiograph) is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.
How long does a small bowel series test take?
An x-ray method called fluoroscopy tracks how the barium moves through your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Pictures are taken while you sit or stand in different positions. The test most often takes around 3 hours but can take as long as 6 hours to complete.
What is the prep for a small bowel follow through?
What is the prep for the SBFT? Nothing to eat or drink from midnight the day before the exam if the appointment time is in the morning. If the appointment time is in the afternoon, nothing to eat or drink for at least 8 hours prior to the appt time.
What is a barium small bowel series?
A Small Bowel Series is an exam that follows barium (a thick, chalky fluid) or some other contrast media through the small intestines. This exam is used to diagnose conditions of the small bowel including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and bowel cancer.
How long does it usually take to complete an adult small bowel series?
Now the small bowel series will begin. Because the small bowel series tracks the progress of the barium through the entire small intestine, it usually takes two to three hours, or more, to complete.
What does the barium drink taste like?
What does a barium swallow taste like? The barium you swallow is artificially flavored and sweetened. However, many people report that it tastes bitter or chalky.
How much barium do I have to drink?
You will drink about 1 1/2 cups of a barium preparation-a chalky drink with the consistency (but not the flavor) of a milk shake. Children will drink less. The barium can be seen on an X-ray as it passes through the digestive tract. The barium swallow procedure may take about 30 minutes to finish.
How long does it take for barium contrast to leave the body?
You can go back to your usual activities right away. You may eat and drink whatever you like, unless your doctor tells you not to. It’s a good idea to drink a lot of fluids for a few days to flush out the barium. For 1 to 3 days after the test, your stool (feces) will look white from the barium.
How long does it take for barium sulfate to travel from the stomach to the colon?
The duration of the examination is variable and essentially depends on the amount of time it takes for the barium to pass from the stomach to the colon (large intestine). Normally, this is approximately one to two hours, but in some patients it may take up to four hours and still be normal.
Can I drive after a barium swallow test?
You should not drive immediately after the procedure because some of the drugs can affect vision. You may feel a bit ill after the procedure and can be quite constipated for several days. You should drink lots of fluid and eat lots of fruit to minimise the constipation.
