GIT imaging

As most Gastro Intestinal Imaging (GIT) studies require some form of preparation, an appointment is essential – unless it is an emergency.

When making your appointment our friendly receptionist will instruct you of any specific preparations required.

It is important that your colon be completely empty for the procedure, for that reason you will likely be asked not to eat 6 hours prior to your examination. And might be instructed to take a laxative (in either pill or liquid form) and/or to use an over-the-counter enema preparation the night before the examination and possibly a few hours before the procedure.

Please tell our staff when making the booking of any chronic medication you are taking or if you suspect that you might be pregnant. Many imaging tests are not performed during pregnancy so as not to expose the fetus to radiation. If an X-ray is necessary, precautions will be taken to minimize radiation exposure to the baby.

You will be required to undress and wear the gown provided.

The contrast administration is dependent on the area or organ that is to be examined (i.e. esophagus, stomach, small bowel or large bowel).

During the examination, you will be asked to follow specific instructions (depending on your examination type) given by the radiographer and to position yourself in order to best study the required part of the body.

The exam table will be positioned at different angles and your abdomen may be compressed to help spread the contrast material.
Once the upper or lower (dependant on the area of study) GI tract is adequately coated with barium, still X-ray images will be taken and stored for further review.

Although the actual Gastro Intestinal Imaging (GIT imaging) is usually not painful, it may cause slight/moderate discomfort due to the contrast medium being swallowed.