Contrast Imaging

Many radiology procedures require that a contrast agent be introduced into the body. These contrast materials help the radiologist see the internal organs of the body more clearly.

Please let the technologist or radiologist know if you are allergic to any medications or if you think you may be pregnant. Here are some of these procedures we offer:

Barium Enema

A barium enema is a procedure to examine your colon (large intestine or large bowel). The X-ray procedure of your colon is done with a contrast material called barium. Barium is a chalky white liquid administered to you in the same way as an enema would be given. The radiologist will take X-rays while you are in several different positions. Occasionally, the procedure is done with air. This is introduced into the colon with the barium. You may feel mild discomfort such as cramping, a bloated feeling, and an urge to move your bowels. As soon as the radiologist has completed the procedure, additional X-rays of the colon will be taken by the X-ray technologist. When these are finished, you will be allowed to go to the bathroom to empty your bowel. A final X-ray will be taken to see if the barium has passed. The test will take about one hour to complete. The radiologist will interpret your images and a report will be sent to your doctor. Call (610) 402-TEST (8378) to schedule this exam at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Lehigh Valley Hospital-17th Street or Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg. Call (610) 435-1600 to schedule this exam at Lehigh Valley Diagnostic Imaging.

Barium Swallow/Esophagram

A barium swallow is a procedure used to examine your esophagus for abnormalities. You will be asked to drink barium while the radiologist takes X-rays of your esophagus. The barium is used to coat the inside of the esophagus. Occasionally, a speech therapist will be present during the procedure, and you will be asked to swallow different types of foods that have been mixed with barium. This procedure is called a Video Barium Swallow. The radiologist will interpret the images and a report will be sent to your doctor. Call (610) 402-TEST (8378) to schedule these exams.

Enteroclysis

An enteroclysis is an X-ray exam of the small intestine through a small, soft plastic tube. You will be asked to lie on an X-ray table and a nurse will help you swallow the tube through your mouth, into the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. At first, there may slight discomfort when this tube is swallowed. This discomfort will be brief. You will be able to talk and breathe while this tube is in place. Liquid will be introduced through the tube and you will eventually experience a bloated feeling. The technologist will assist you in turning into several positions on the X-ray table. Multiple X-rays are obtained during the procedure. When the test is finished, the tube will be removed. The radiologist will interpret the images and a report will be sent to your doctor. Call (610) 402-TEST (8378) to schedule this exam.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP)

An ERCP involves passing a flexible, lighted tube through your mouth and into the stomach and the first part of your small bowel, called the duodenum to image the ducts of your gall bladder and pancreas. You will be placed on the X-ray table for this procedure and a medicated spray may be used to numb your throat. An intravenous line (IV) will be started so you can be given a sedative to make you drowsy and sleepy during the examination. The doctor will manipulate a smaller plastic catheter within the lighted tube in order to locate the tiny opening in the duodenum where secretions from gallbladder and pancreas empty into the intestine. This very small plastic catheter is passed into the opening and a contrast is injected. When the ducts leading from the gallbladder and pancreas are filled with contrast, X-rays will be taken. The radiologist will interpret the images and a report will be sent to your doctor. Call (610) 402-TEST (8378) to schedule this exam.

Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)

An IVP is an X-ray of your kidneys, ureters, and bladder. The IVP allows the radiologist to check the condition and function of your urinary system. Please let the technologist or radiologist know if you are allergic to any medications. You will be asked to lie down on the X-ray table and an initial X-ray will be taken to see the position and size of your urinary system. After the radiologist reviews your film, an IV will be started in your arm and a contrast material will be slowly injected. You may feel a warm, flushed feeling from this contrast material. It takes about 5 minutes for the contrast material to flow though the blood to the kidneys. Multiple X-rays will be taken, at intervals, as the contrast fills your urinary system. This procedure may take from one hour to several hours to complete. Most of the contrast will leave your body when you urinate. The contrast will not change the color of your urine. You may be asked to empty your bladder at the end of the procedure. A final image will be taken at that time. The radiologist will interpret the images and a report will be sent to your doctor. Call (610) 402-TEST (8378) to schedule this exam at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Lehigh Valley Hospital-17th Street or Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg. Call (610) 435-1600 to schedule at Lehigh Valley Diagnostic Imaging.

Myelography

A myelogram is a test that examines the spinal cord and canal. The test will be started with you lying on your side or belly, or in the sitting position. You will receive an injection of local anesthesia to numb the site where a spinal needle will be inserted into the spinal canal. After placing the needle, a special X-ray contrast is injected. You will be securely placed on a tilting table and a series of X-rays will be taken. A CT scan will usually follow. The contrast used for the myelogram is eventually excreted in your urine. The radiologist will interpret the images and a report will be sent to your doctor. Call (610) 402-TEST (8378) to schedule this exam.

Small Bowel Series

A small bowel series is an X-ray of the small intestine. While lying on an X-ray table you will be asked to drink a barium liquid. This “chalky” drink will outline the stomach and small bowel. The radiologist will watch this on a TV screen (fluoroscopy unit) and take X-rays. Since the small bowel is approximately 15-20 feet long, it takes some time for the liquid to pass through the bowel. You will be asked to drink a second and sometimes a third container of barium and wait for further passage. X-rays will be taken every 30-60 minutes for about three to four hours, depending on how fast the liquid passes through the intestine. The entire exam can take up to six hours. The radiologist will continue to record the passage of the barium until it reaches the end of the small bowel. More X-rays will be taken by the radiologist when the barium reaches this point. The radiologist will interpret the images and a report will be sent to your doctor. Call (610) 402-TEST (8378) to schedule this exam at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Lehigh Valley Hospital-17th Street or Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg. Call (610) 435-1600 to schedule at Lehigh Valley Diagnostic Imaging.

Upper G.I. Series

An Upper GI Series is an X-ray examination of your esophagus, stomach and upper portion of the small intestine. The GI Series usually takes about one hour. You will be asked to lie on an X-ray table and drink a flavored barium liquid. While you are drinking the barium, the radiologist will be watching the barium as it outlines your esophagus and stomach on a TV screen (fluoroscopic unit). The radiologist will take a series of X-rays as the table is tilted and moved in various positions. This is done to ensure a more complete view of the stomach. The barium will be eliminated in one to two days, causing your stool to be white. If you do not have a bowel movement within three days, tell your doctor. The radiologist will interpret the images and a report will be sent to your doctor. Call (610) 402-TEST (8378) to schedule this exam at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Lehigh Valley Hospital-17th Street or Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg. Call (610) 435-1600 to schedule at Lehigh Valley Diagnostic Imaging.

Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG)

Need Help? Call 610-402-CARE (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday) to talk to nurses and other experts who can help you find a doctor and more.

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