Contrast Studies

Various body organs can be identified, and then examined, by the use of contrast. Barium may be swallowed or inserted rectally to study the bowel, or intravenous contrast may be injected, such as for an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) to study the kidneys.

Barium Enema

A barium enema is used to look at the large bowel or colon. A thin coating of barium compound lines the inside of the colon and x-rays are taken. Barium looks white on an x-ray and outlines any irregularity of the bowel wall.

In preparation for this exam obtain a preparation kit from our Southport or The Tweed Hospital sites and follow the instructions. If you are suffering from diarrhoea this preparation may be omitted.

Barium Swallow and Barium Meal

A barium swallow looks at the oesophagus. A barium meal looks at the stomach. These tests are often performed together. You will be asked to swallow about a cup of barium liquid. A thin coating of barium compound lines the inside of the oesophagus and / or stomach, and x-rays are taken.

In preparation for this exam please do not have anything to eat or drink for eight hours prior to the time of examination.

Small Bowel Series

A small bowel series is used to look at the small bowel, the part of the digestive tract between the stomach and the colon. A barium compound diluted with water fills the inside of the small bowel, and x-rays are taken.

Examination Locations

All of the above studies can be performed at Southport and The Tweed Hospital clinics. Click here for a detailed list of our clinics and their contact details.

IVP (Intravenous Pyelography)

IVP is used to look at the "urinary tract", that is the kidneys, ureters and bladder. Using an IVP we can look at the size and outline of the kidneys, get an idea of how well they function, see the inside structure, make sure both ureters are doing their job of transferring urine from the kidneys to the bladder, and look at the outline of the urinary bladder.

Two plain x-ray images will be obtained to localise your kidneys. One of these is a "tomogram", which is where the x-ray tube moves over you, while the x-ray film moves in the opposite direction underneath you. Using this technique, the level of the kidneys in your body is revealed as the other structures in the abdomen are blurred out of the image.

An IVP will require you to be given an injection of x-ray contrast. This liquid has been designed to be efficiently taken out of your blood by the kidneys. The contrast contains iodine which shows up on x-rays. It is important to tell our staff if you have any allergy to x-ray contrast.

A standard IVP will require about eight x-rays, although several more may be required depending on what your doctor is looking for.

Patient preparation

In preparation for this exam, take two laxative tablets on each of the two nights prior to the exam. Normal fluid intake. Nothing to eat for six hours prior to the time of the examination.

Examination Locations

This study can be performed at our Burleigh Waters, Southport and The Tweed Hospital clinics. Click here for a detailed list of our clinics and their contact details.