Download Patient preparation for Barium Enema

Patient preparation for
Barium Enema
This x-ray examination is designed to check the lining of the colon (large bowel).
The colon is partially filled with a white liquid called barium sulphate and then distended with gas. Barium
shows up well on x-rays and the fine coating of barium on the bowel lining will highlight any abnormalities.
The bowel needs to be cleared out for this procedure and this will involve a special diet and a separate
preparation: Picoprep. You need to start this procedure two days prior to your examination.
It is important that you read the following instructions carefully and follow them closely.
Failure to do so may result in having to repeat the procedure.
Please follow these simple steps before coming to your Barium Enema appointment at Mercy Radiology:
Picoprep instructions
The Picoprep Kit will help you prepare for your procedure by cleansing your lower intestinal tract.
Please take only the medications, foods and fluids in the amounts specified, and at the times shown,
unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. Individual responses to laxatives may vary.
Please contact us directly before taking the medication if you have any of the following:
a. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohns Disease)
b.Ileostomy
c.Colostomy
d. Impaired kidney function
e. Any symptoms of heart failure
f.Diabetes
Two days before your Barium Enema
Please stop eating brown bread, red meat, cereals, vegetables, fruit, yellow cheese and anything with
seeds in it.
You may eat boiled or poached eggs, cottage cheese, white bread, low fat yoghurt, steamed white rice
and boiled chicken.
Please drink clear fluids only – cordials, soft drinks, fruit juices, black tea or coffee. No milk and no alcohol.
Please be sure to read all of the accompanying directions and warnings thoroughly before using this kit.
If you have any questions, please contact your doctor.
The day before your Barium Enema
Once again, drink clear fluids only – cordials, soft drinks, fruit juices, black tea or coffee. No milk and
no alcohol.
Eat clear soup (ie soup without any pulp or solid matter) and/or sugar free jelly.
1pm
Dissolve the contents of one sachet of Picoprep in a glass of warm water (250ml). If you would prefer to
drink this cold, prepare it earlier with the warm water and place it in the refrigerator to chill. Drink the
contents followed by another glass of water. Continue drinking clear fluids – at least one glass per hour.
3pm–4pm
A watery bowel motion should occur. Please make sure to continue drinking fluids.
7pm
Repeat the procedure above with the second sachet of Picoprep. Please continue to drink clear fluids
throughout the evening.
9pm–10pm
A watery bowel motion should occur.
The day of your Barium Enema
1. Please do not eat or drink anything.
2. Continue to take all prescribed medication as usual, and bring a list of any medications you are currently
taking to your appointment.
3. Please let us know, prior to your appointment, if you are a diabetic.
4. You should allow at least 30–40 minutes for this procedure.
5. Please bring your referral form from your doctor or referrer.
6. Please make sure you arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
7. We recommend that you rest at home for a few hours following the examination, as you may
experience some remaining discomfort.
8. You will be given dietary instructions for the following few days to ensure your system returns to
normal as soon as possible.
If you have any questions regarding your appointment, please do not hesitate to call us on 09 630 3324.
We look forward to seeing you.
Mercy Radiology
Note: If you have had a previous examination relating to this examination at another provider, you
will need to bring these images with you. (If the related imaging was performed at a public
hospital, you can advise us when you arrive for your appointment).
V2. SEP 2012