X-ray images of the abdominal tract are sometimes required to locate abscesses, cancerous tumors, infections, perforations, and other medical issues along the esophagus, small intestine, or colon. While X-rays are simple procedures that require little preparation, abdominal imaging does necessitate a bit more prep than other X-rays. Keep reading to learn about what you may need to do beforehand.

Fasting Overnight And Limiting Diet

X-ray images are a good way for doctors to locate masses and abnormal tissues without completing intrusive tests. However, X-rays will normally pass through the digestive tract and through soft tissues in general. For this reason you will need to ingest a special substance to make the tissues appear on the radiology equipment. Barium is often used, but you may also be injected with an iodine solution.

Before these tests, your digestive tract needs to be completely empty. Otherwise, food and partially digested matter may interfere with the barium and the X-rays. This means that you will need to fast overnight.  Also, you may be required to ingest a cleansing fluid at home or complete an enema. Your doctor will advise you of this well in advance. 

An abundance of fiber can also interfere with test results, so you may be asked to reduce fiber consumption for several days beforehand. Laxatives may also be prescribed to make sure that all waste is released from the intestines. These may be used in conjunction with or instead of the fluid cleanse. 

Using The Restroom

Barium solutions will be provided at the radiology facility. The fluid will move quickly through your gastrointestinal system. You will pass some of the barium before your test. This is completely normal and you should make sure that you use the bathroom when you feel the urge to void your bowels. 

Also, radiologists will want to control the flow of the barium through your system. This may mean that you will be placed on a tilting table. Pressure also may be placed on the abdomen to force the barium to move along the intestines. This can place some stress on the bladder, so make sure to urinate beforehand as well. It is best to do so immediately before the test because you may need to wait on the table for a while as the tests are concluded.

Using the restroom directly after the test is wise as well, so make sure you know where the facilities are located in relation to the radiology room. 

If you have questions about radiology or want to know more about preparing for GI tests, speak with a radiology professional at a location like Elkview General Hospital.