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Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

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Barium Enema

set-xray-with-barium-studies-small-bowel

BE

Description

"Barium Enema" test uses contrast dye to highlight the colon and rectum during X-ray imaging. It’s often performed when symptoms like abdominal pain, bowel changes, or rectal bleeding arise. The test helps identify polyps, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or colorectal tumors. As the barium outlines the large intestine, doctors can examine its structure and detect abnormalities. Results guide next steps such as colonoscopy or treatment planning for gastrointestinal conditions affecting the lower digestive tract.

"Barium Enema" test uses contrast dye to highlight the colon and rectum during X-ray imaging. It’s often performed when symptoms like abdominal pain, bowel changes, or rectal bleeding arise. The test helps identify polyps, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or colorectal tumors. As the barium outlines the large intestine, doctors can examine its structure and detect abnormalities. Results guide next steps such as colonoscopy or treatment planning for gastrointestinal conditions affecting the lower digestive tract.

Test Category

GI Tract Function

Procedure

Invasive

Sample Type

No biological sample is needed for this test.

Units

Not Applicable

Procedure Category

Inject, Scan

Test Group

Imaging Scans Group

Test Group Description

Imaging Scans Group: This group includes a variety of diagnostic imaging techniques used to visualize internal structures and organs in the body. These techniques may include X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine scans.

Optimal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.

Normal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.

Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)

Abnormal results may indicate:


  • Appendicitis (Inflammation of the appendix)

  • Colon volvulus (Twisting of the colon)

  • Crohn's disease (Chronic inflammatory bowel disease)

  • Diverticula (Small bulges or pouches in the wall of the colon)

  • Hernia (Protrusion of an organ through the wall of the cavity that normally contains it)

  • Hirschsprung diseas...

Key Reasons For Testing

  • Colorectal Screening: Detects polyps, tumors, and abnormalities in the colon and rectum when colonoscopy isn’t an option.

  • Diagnostic Imaging: Identifies conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulosis, or colorectal fistulas.

  • Evaluation of Colonic Anatomy: Reveals structural issues such as strictures or unusual segments.

  • Assessment of Functional Disorders: Examines colon movement and stool passage in cases of constipation or diarrhea.

Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess

Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.

Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test

Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.

References

Important Note

Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.


Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.

Disclaimer

This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.


Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.

[1] Pickhardt PJ, Kim DH. Barium and iodine-based contrast in the gastrointestinal tract. Radiol Clin North Am.2013;51(2):417-432.
[2] Rex DK, Deddens JA, Eid E. A case-control study of acute colonic ischemia in patients undergoing colonoscopy. Gastrointest Endosc. 2004;59(3):311-316.
[3] Ott DJ, Gelfand DW, Chen YM, Wu WC, Lane MJ, Thompson WM. Clinical efficacy of the double-contrast barium enema examination. Radiology. 1985;155(1):1-4.
[4] Spataro RF, Bennett WF. Radiologic evaluation of diverticular disease of the colon. Gastroenterol Clin North Am.1990;19(3):629-639.
[5] Hunter TB, Taljanovic MS. Medical devices of the gastrointestinal tract. Radiographics. 2005;25(2):503-516.
[6] Thoeni RF. The role of radiographic studies in evaluating the abdomen. N Engl J Med. 2002;346(10):725-732.
[7] Lee JK, Stein SL. Radiographic imaging in diverticular disease of the colon. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2004;17(3):147-154.
[8] Fletcher JG, Fidler JL, Saini S, Guimaraes L, Herman BA. Current concepts in imaging of small and large bowel. Radiol Clin North Am. 2003;41(2):199-213.
[9] Levine MS, Rubesin SE. History and evolution of barium studies of the gastrointestinal tract. Radiology.2019;291(2):417-432.
[10] Cotton PB, Williams CB. Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: The Fundamentals. 6th ed. Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell; 2008.
[11] van Gelder RE, Birnie E, Florie J, et al. CT colonography and colonoscopy: assessment of patient preference in a 5-week follow-up study. Eur Radiol. 2004;14(10):1651-1657.

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