Fluoroscopic X-ray » Upper GI Tract
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For information on this exam, please visit www.radiologyinfo.com.
A fluoroscopic x-ray of the Upper GI tract is useful for observing digestive
function and detecting ulcers, tumors or inflammation of the esophagus,
stomach and first part of the small intestine (also known as the duodenum).
Fluoroscopy is a type of x-ray "movie" that studies body structures
in "real" time. An x-ray beam is passed through the body part
being examined and is transmitted to a TV-like monitor so your Radiologist
may study a specific body part in detail. Intravenous (IV) contrast material
is injected or taken by mouth to highlight the area of
interest, making it appear white on the monitor’s screen.
- Because a fluoroscopic x-ray involves exposure to radiation, inform
your doctor and Radiologic Technologist if there is any possibility
you may be pregnant or are breastfeeding.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight before the morning of
your exam. No meats, potatoes, or pasta after 7:00 p.m. No smoking
or chewing gum the day of the exam.
- You will be asked to remove eyeglasses or any metal objects that
could interfere with the exam.
You will be asked to drink contrast material (also called barium) to
highlight the Upper GI tract. To obtain pictures of your esophagus, stomach
and duodenum, x-ray images will be taken while you are upright, llying
down, or rolling into different positions on the fluoroscopic table. As the procedure continues, the Technologist or
Radiologist may have you drink more barium as needed.
An fluoroscopic x-ray of the Upper GI tract takes approximately 30 minutes
from the time you enter the fluoroscopic suite until you leave. When
the exam is completed you may be asked to wait until the Radiologist
determines if more images are required.
A Radiologist (a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing disease and injury
using medical imaging technology) analyzes and interprets your exam within
24 hours. He/she dictates a Report of the findings and sends it to your physician.
Your physician's office will inform you of your results. Due to the number
of patients your physician serves, it may be 7 to 10 days before he/she is
prepared to respond to your Report. To reduce waiting time, please bring
copies of previous scans if your exam is for the same area being imaged.
It is not possible for our office to determine individual coverage. Coverage
for imaging tests is variable and depends on your insurance carrier,
your plan, any exclusions, and sometimes the reasons for the examination.
Prior to undergoing any imaging test, please call the number on the back
of your insurance card to determine if it will be covered.
Contact us at (563) 359-3931.
www.radiologyinfo.com
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