While there are differences, most conventional x-ray procedures have basic similarities.

Patient preparation involves removing any articles of clothing or jewelry that might interfere with the creation of the x-ray image. The patient is positioned by the technologist so that the anatomy of interest is in the proper field of view between the x-ray tube and receptor. The patient is often instructed to hold their breath in order to prevent the x-ray image from being blurry due to motion.

Patient preparation beyond this, varies according to the body part to be imaged. Following are some more common examples:

Barium Swallow/Esophagram:
A barium swallow or Esophagram is an x-ray examination that studies your esophagus. A dense liquid called Barium is swallowed in order to outline and visualize this soft tissue structure. As you are swallowing, the radiologist will view the function of your esophagus under the fluoroscope. X-ray pictures will be taken. The procedure takes about 15 minutes.

Upper GI:
An Upper GI is a fluoroscopic examination that studies the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. The stomach is visualized by having the patient swallow "crystals" that make gas in the stomach, and a dense liquid called Barium. By coating the stomach with these two substances the radiologist is able to see the stomach and how it functions. Images are then taken to capture the necessary information. This procedure takes about 30 minutes.

Small Bowel Follow Through:
A small bowel follow through is an examination of the small intestine or small bowel. The patient is required to drink a dense liquid called Barium. The barium lines the small bowel, and allows this soft tissue organ to be visualized because of it's density. A series of timed exposures is taken to monitor the barium as it passes through the small intestine. The length of time required for this procedure varies greatly because it relies on the metabolism of the patient to move the barium through the small intestine. The average time range for this is exam is from 1 to 6 hours.

Barium Enema:
A "Barium Enema" or Lower GI or Colon x-ray, is a fluoroscopic examination that studies the large intestines or large bowel. To prepare for this exam, laxatives are given to cleanse the bowel prior to the exam. To perform the exam, a dense liquid called Barium is placed in your bowel through a tube that is inserted into your rectum. This is followed by air, which is used to distend the bowel. By turning you in different directions as these substances are inserted, all surfaces of the colon are coated with the barium and all surfaces of the colon are visualized. Images are taken as the exam progresses in order to gain the information needed. This procedure takes approximately 45 minutes.

The Results
Your diagnostic results will be provided to your primary care physician within 12-24 hours. These results may be provided digitally on CD along with viewing software.