General Radiography

X-ray
In general radiography, X-rays are used to create images of the body's internal structures. General radiography is commonly used to detect problems with bones, lungs, and other internal structures. These 'diagnostic' X-rays are small amounts of radiation that pass through the specific area(s) of interest. Radiation in these quantities is very saf.

All diagnostic x-rays are digitally acquired with Computed Radiography (CR) and Digital Radiography (DR) systems.

Registration
Patients scheduled for an X-ray exam are required to register in Admissions. Admissions is located through the covered entrance with an EMERGENCY sign on it. After turning into the Main Hospital Entrance, turn left at the first intersection and continue around the curve and park in the ER Parking/Admissions lot (on the right).

Preparation Prior to Procedure
Before your procedure, you may be asked to change into a gown and remove any metal you maybe wearing near the area(s) of interest.

Length of Procedure
Routinely less than 30 minutes

Post-exam Instructions
Resume normal activities

Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that uses X-ray to produce real-time or 'live' images of organs and anatomical structure motion. Fluoroscopy is primarily used in barium studies of the gastrointestinal tract and in IV contrast studies of the urinary tract and the arterial system.

Registration
Patients scheduled for a Fluoroscopy exam are required to register in Admissions. Admissions is located through the covered entrance with an EMERGENCY sign on it. After turning into the Main Hospital Entrance, turn left at the first intersection and continue around the curve and park in the ER Parking/Admissions lot (on the right).

Preparation Prior to Procedure
Before your procedure, you may be asked to change into a gown and remove any metal you may be wearing near the area(s) of interest.

· Barium Swallow - Study of the swallowing function and the esophagus. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the exam. Have a low residue meal on the evening prior to the exam. Refer to the prep instructions given to you by the radiology department.

· Upper GI Series - Study of the stomach and its emptying function. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the exam. Have a low residue meal on the evening prior to the exam. Refer to the prep instructions given to you by the radiology department.

· Barium Enema - Study of the large intestine. Follow the instructions in the Tridate Preparation Kit that you received from the hospital pharmacy. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the exam.

· Barium Enema with air contrast - Study of the large intestine. The introduction of air allows better visualization of the intestines. Follow the instructions in the Tridate Preparation Kit that you received from the hospital pharmacy. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the exam.

· Small Bowel Series - Study of the small bowel. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the exam. This exam can take as little as forty-five minutes to as long as three to four hours, depending upon the speed of each individual's small bowel.

· IVP - Study of the urinary tract. Follow the instructions in the IVP Preparation Kit that you received from the hospital pharmacy. Also, refer to the prep instructions given to you by the radiology department.

Length of Procedure
Routinely less than 60 minutes

Post-exam Instructions
In most cases, you may resume normal activities right away. If you have ingested barium, please drink more water than usual. Water will help relieve any constipation you may have after this exam. Additionally, with barium your stool may appear white or light for a day or two. If you have received an IV injection with your exam, it will pass naturally through your body within a day. For post-exam problems please contact your physician.

If you think you may be pregnant, please inform your physician or the technologist before your exam.

If you have a known contrast allergy, please contact your physician or the imaging location where you are having your exam as soon as possible.

Results of Exam
A radiologist will interpret your exam and a transcribed report will be sent to the ordering physician within 24 hours.

Requesting Films
If your physician requested you to bring your films to your next office visit, please mention this to the radiology office staff when you check in, and your films will be ready for you shortly after your exam.

If anytime after your exam you need to borrow your films, please call the radiology department at (423) 787-5100 or e-mail radiology@lmhcare.org at least 24 hours in advance, and your films will be ready for you to pick up.