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OUTPATIENT BARIUM ENEMA PREP

When you need a Barium Enema performed follow the directions below

1. Your physician’s office will call the Imaging Services Department to schedule the exam(s).
2. Your physician or nurse will instruct you on any additional preparations necessary for this test.
3. Your physician will give you a signed order for this test. You must bring the physician's order sheet with you. You will need it to register as an outpatient at the hospital. Without this order sheet the test cannot be completed and you will be required to reschedule your exam.
4. Arrive at the hospital Information Desk at least 20 minutes before your test to allow plenty of time for the Outpatient registration process.
5. SLVRMC requires you to use a Colyte Bowel Prep Kit. Please see our instructions for using the Colyte Bowel Prep Kit.
   • Your physician’s office may have this kit in stock or you may purchase it at your local pharmacy.
   • It is of utmost importance to the quality of the x-ray to take the prescribed product and follow the instructions completely.
   • The preparation for the examination is very important. Please follow all the instructions in the kit.
6. Follow all the dietary requirements listed in the Colyte Bowel Prep Kit instructions.
   1. One day before the Exam - Dietary Requirements
   • 8:00 a.m. - Eat a light meal. Mix the Colyte with a gallon of water and put it in the refrigerator.
   • 12:00 p.m. - Eat a light meal.
   • 2:00 p.m. - Start drinking solution. Drink 1 to 2 glasses (8-16 oz.) every 20-30 minutes until you have consumed the entire gallon.
   • 6:00-8:00 p.m. - Eat no dinner. Prep should be complete. Bowel movements should be liquid without stool particles.
     • NOTE: Consume only clear liquids after you have finished the prep, such as clear juice, bullion, tea, plain Jello (no RED Jello), etc.
7. The actual procedure time takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the exact test performed.
8. Children age 5 and younger need to be on clear liquids the day before the exam and the day of the exam they need a suppository. (You can purchase the Rectal suppository at your local pharmacy). If you have any question regarding this product, please contact your physician.

Appointment Changes and Test Results

• If you must cancel or reschedule your appointment call the Imaging Services Department, receptionist at 587-1231. Please call at least 24 hours in advance.
• After the film is developed and read by our Radiologist, a copy of the results are sent or called to your physician. Only your physician can give you the results of your Barium Enema.
• The Radiologist bills separately for his services. You will receive two bills for the procedure - one from the hospital and one from the radiologist for reading the films.

Childcare
If you have young children, make arrangements for a baby-sitter or childcare before your exam date. Children are not allowed in the examination room and may not be left in the hospital lobby unattended.

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Last Modified: July 27, 2007 10:25 AM