Barium Enema Single Contrast
Understanding Barium Enema Single Contrast
What is Barium Enema Single Contrast?
A barium enema is an X-ray imaging test that doctors use to examine your lower intestinal tract for abnormalities. Some symptoms like abdominal pain, change in your bowel movements, blood in your stools, chronic diarrhoea can prompt your physician to recommend this test.
The lab technician asks you to lie flat on your back. Then, the technician inserts the enema tip through your rectum and administers the contrast agent to view the organs. You will be instructed to change positions, and the technician clicks the necessary images. Before the test, it is crucial to thoroughly cleanse your bowel of stool and gas to avoid interference. Also, do not eat, drink, or smoke anything. The barium may cause constipation for some days. Drinking sufficient fluids can prove helpful.
What is Barium Enema Single Contrast used for?
- • To evaluate the cause of any blood in the stools • To evaluate the cause of any change in your bowel movements • To diagnose any suspected colorectal cancer • To diagnose suspected diverticular disease or polyps or cysts in the colon or rectum • To look for any blockages in the colon or rectum • To diagnose the cause of any non-specific stomach pain
Other tests
