When to drink barium before ct scan?

Are you preparing for a CT scan and wondering when to drink barium? You’re not alone! Many people feel confused about the timing of drinking barium before a CT scan. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about when to drink barium before a CT scan.

What is Barium?

Before diving into the topic of drinking barium before a CT scan, let’s first understand what Barium actually is. Barium is an element that can be found in nature in small amounts. It has various industrial purposes but it’s most commonly used as an X-ray contrast agent.

When mixed with water or other liquids, such as juice or milkshakes (yum!), it forms barium sulfate, which appears white on medical imaging tests such as plain radiographs (X-rays).

One important thing to note here is that not everyone undergoing a CT scan requires consumption of barium – it depends on the type of exam being conducted and the area being scanned.

Now let’s talk more specifically about when one should consume this special liquid!

When Should I Drink Barium?

The timing for taking barium depends on where your doctor wants images taken- different parts require varying durations for preparation:

Upper GI Tract

If your gastroenterologist orders an upper gastrointestinal tract study, they will ask you to fast overnight i.e., at least 8 hours prior him scanning your belly . This ensures that there is no food in your stomach while performing these scans. After arriving at the hospital outpatient center/ healthcare facility ,you’ll be asked by trained technologists /radiographers who are responsible for conducting diagnostic procedures mainly CT Scans .They would review with you procedure materials –explain entire process detailed so If any questions arises or needs clarification are answered), then they’ll give you a white liquid drink that contains barium sulfate.

Lower GI Tract

Alternatively, if you’re having an exam of the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as colonography (examination of large intestine also called colon) or enterography (small bowel examination), your doctor might ask you to drink multiple cups of moderately concentrated barium sulfate solution at specific intervals .

Note: It’s important not to consume anything except for the provided clear liquids between each cup consumption. Instructions will be communicated by your physician which we advise to follow instructively(in details).

The purpose behind drinking Barium in these tests is that when it passes through our intestines and stomach ,it fills up those empty spaces so now during CT scan/x-ray rapid movement inside patient body part such as large and small intestine can be captured easily with visual effects- thus obtaining clear images required by Radiologists who interpret them for diagnoses.

What Happens After Drinking Barium?

Now, let’s move on to what happens after consuming this chalky liquid. Here are some things you can expect:

White Stool

One hoot result from ingesting barium would lead passing off entirely-white stools several hours post-ingestion (as observed if patient were looking into commode closely ) but normal color should eventually return within few days.

Feeling Full

Drinking barium may make patients feel bloated/full/gassy due amount being consumed leading to sensation similar post eating large meal. However every radiology department ensures elaborate explanation prior starting test about presence /absence of associated symptoms pre/post-test.

Patients will probably want relieve themselves afterward/before continue rest of study – don’t hesitate; facilities available!

Tips & Precautions While Taking Barium

Here are some tips to keep in mind while taking barium:

  1. Stay well hydrated – Drink plenty water before & after scanning session.
  2. Wear loose, comfortable clothes – Tight clothing may make you feel uncomfortable during the scan
  3. Follow the instructions provided by your doctor or medical staff for preparing for the CT Scan procedure
  4. Nutritional supplements like multivitamins including iron should ideally be avoided as it might give riseto some contrast effect lasting on scans- but still with prior permission consulting provider informed consent is mandatory to precede any test

Note: if there are certain risk factors present(enquire about list of medications/drugs currently taking ) that actually endangering patient health e.g renal failure they have explicitly proferred alternative steps to counteract possible reactions- this can be explained in detail at your appointment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, drinking barium before a CT scan depends on which part of your body is being examined and what procedure has been ordered by Doctor/physician . We hope this article has helped clear up any confusion surrounding when and how much Barium needs to be consumed . Just remember – always follow directions communicated prior from highly trained technologists who would make sure patients stay safe & healthy throughout scanning session !

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