BARIUM STUDIES

PRESENTED BY
Mr.DEVAKAR
Ms.SHRUTHI
Ms.NISHA
Ms.PRIYA
Ms.SURYA
Ms.DHANALAKSHMI
Ms.ANITHA
INTRODUCTION

Group of diagnostic tests used to detect abnormalities

of the gastro-intestinal tract using X-ray imaging

Radio-opaque contrast used :Barium Sulphate

It coats lining of the digestive tract,allowing accurate
X-ray imaging to be examined
Barium Sulphate is mixed with water and is
swallowed
Following this a sries of X-ray are taken
CONTRAST EXAMINATION
Single Contrast medium :
Only barium is given 60-100%
To outline the structure , lumen and large abnormalitites

Double contrast medium:

Barium with gas producing agent is given 200-250
For detail viewing of the mucosal pattern,making it easier to see narrowed
areas(strictures),diverticula or inflammation
CLASSIFICATION

 Barium Studies:
 1) Upper Gastro-Intestinal Series
 2)Lower Gastro Intestinal Series
UPPER GASTRO –INTESTINAL SERIES
1.Barium Swallow Examination
2.Barium Meal Examination
3.Barium Follow Through Examination
4.Entroclysis \Small Bowel Enema

LOWER GASTRO-INTESTINAL SERIES

1.Barium Enema Examination
PROCEDURE
 Medical History
 Clinical Status
 Patient Consent
 Barium Study
Barium Swallow
It is known as esophagography.to examine the pharynx and esophagus
Purpose:
To diagnosis hiatal,diverticula and varices
To detect strictures,ucers,tumors,polyps and motility disorder
Procedure:
1. Explain to the patient that this test evaluates the function of the pharynx and esophagus.
2. Instruct the patient to fast after midnight before the test.
3. If the patient is infant, delay the feeding to ensure complete digestion of the barium.
4. Explain that the test takes approximately 30 minutes.
5. Describe the milkshake consistency and chalky taste of the barium preparation the patient will ingest; although it’s flavored, it may
be unpleasant to swallow.
6. Tell him he’ll first receive a thick mixture and then a thin one and that he must drink 12 to 14 oz (355 to 414 ml) during the
examination.
7. Inform him that he’ll be placed in various positions on a tilting radiograph table and that radiographs will be taken.
8. If gastric reflux is suspected, withhold antacids, histamine-2 (H2) blockers, and proton pump inhibitors, as ordered.
9. Just before the procedure, instruct the patient to put a hospital gown without snap closures and to remove jewelry, dentures,
hairpins, and other radiopaque objects from the radiograph field.
10. Check the patient history for contraindications to the barium swallow, such as intestinal obstruction and pregnancy. Radiation may
have teratogenic effects.
Complications

Barium retained in the intestine may harden, causing

obstruction or fecal impaction.
Abdominal distention and absent bowel sounds, which may
indicate constipation and may suggest barium impaction.
Barium Meal
For barium meal or barium follow through examination ,a 6-hours period of fasting is
observed prior to the studies
Indication:
 Dyspepsia
 Upper abdominal mass
 Weightloss
 Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
 Partial obstruction
Barium is administerd orally,sometimes mixed with drug to reduce transit time in the bowel
and to enhance gastric emptying.
X-ray images are then taken in a supine position at the intervals of 20-30 minutes.
The radiologist may press or palpate the abdomen during images to separate intestinal loops.
The total time necessary for the test depends on the speed of bowel motility or transit time
and may vary between 1and 3 hours.
Procedure
Barium is administerd orally,sometimes mixed with drug to reduce transit time in the
bowel and to enhance gastric emptying.
NPO – 6hours.
Metoclopramide 20 mg orally may be given before or during the examination.
X-ray images are then taken in a supine position at the intervals of 20-30 minutes.
The radiologist may press or palpate the abdomen during images to separate intestinal
loops.
The total time necessary for the test depends on the speed of bowel motility or transit
time and may vary between 1and 3 hours.

Contraindication:
Complete large bowel obstruction
ENTROCLYSIS
It is an examination of the small bowel
Indication :
 GI bleed
 Partial obstruction
 Malabsorbtion
 Abdominal mass
Procedure:
 Fasting for 8 hours prior to examination.
 Laxative:Bowel preparationand cleansing.
 Infusion of thin barium sulphate suspension (500-1000 ml) into the bowel through
duodenal tube.
Fluroscopy done or viewed as standard radiographs taken at frequent intervals.
6 hours or longer to complete.
Contraindication:
 Complete obstruction
Barium Enema
It is a radiological study or large bowel by administration of contrasr medium to
rectum
Indication:
 Dysphagia
 Hiatus hernia
 Strictures
 Diverticula
 Pyloric stenosis
Procedure
 Large intestine condition.
 Thorough cleaning of the large intestine is necessary for accuratr picture.
 Laxative, warm water enema,NPO before 8-10 hours.
 Patient is asked to lie on their side while a well lubricated enema tube is
inserted into the rectum.
 Barium suphate is infused and xray examination is done.

Contraindication:
 Suspected bowel preparation
 Hypersensitivity to barium
 Pregnancy
 Recent biopsy