Fluoroscopy Small Bowel Series Reference Guide for Physicians

COVID-19 Safety Precautions and Sterilization

To Our Guilford Community

ALL GUILFORD RADIOLOGY STAFF HAVE BEEN FULLY IMMUNIZED AGAINST THE COVID-19 VIRUS.

Now more than ever, the safety of our patients, community and staff is our top priority. Our staff is fully trained in Covid-19 screening, safety precautions and sterilization technique. We remained committed to our referring providers and patients and have been open throughout the pandemic, while continuing to maintain a clean safe facility. Trust the staff at Guilford Radiology to take care of you and your family’s medical imaging needs in a patient friendly, convenient outpatient environment for the safest, most comfortable exam possible.

Our facility is clean, Safety is our primary concern

Our entire office gets a complete deep cleaning nightly.
Exam rooms and equipment are thoroughly disinfected after each patient, from mammography paddles to the CT & MRI bores, to the exam tables, counters, and areas of patient contact.
We are maintaining CDC and the state of CT guidelines. All staff and patients are required to wear appropriate face masks and staff wear other required PPE. Patients without an acceptable mask will be provided one.

Covid Safety Patient Screening Form

New patient flow in place ensures no contact with other patients

All paperwork can be completed prior to your exam, forms are available on our website.
Patients can choose to checkin in our waiting room or wait in their car.
If you choose to check-in in our lobby, comie in and stop at the front desk, please arrive at your requested time and enter our comfortable clean reception area with your ID, insurance card and order (if applicable) in hand.
If you prefer to wait in your car, when you arrive for your appointment, please call our office (203-453-5123) from your car.
- You will be instructed when to enter where a technologist will greet you at the opened door.
After your exam the technologist will escort you out of the office.
We have staggered patient exam times to avoid congestion and reduce any unnecessary potential exposure.
Please do not bring anyone with you to your exam as we are trying to reduce traffic in our office, special accommodations can be made as needed.

Guilford Radiology is committed to your health and safety.

Kameron Shahid, MD -- Guilford Radiology President
Michael Johnson, MD -- Covid-19 Safety Officer
Sharynn Gendron -- Office Manager

Fluoroscopy Small Bowel Series Quick Reference Guide for Physicians

A Small Bowel Series is an exam that follows barium (a thick, chalky fluid) or some other contrast media through the small intestines. This exam is used to diagnose conditions of the small bowel including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and bowel cancer.

Counterindications

Known or suspected perforation of the GI tract, bowel obstruction, severe constipation, pregnancy

Patient Preparation

Fast for at least 8 hours. Nothing by mouth including smoking or chewing gum after midnight the day before the exam.

CPT Codes

74250
74245 (single contrast UGI with SB)

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General Information

What is a small bowel series?

A small bowel series is an x-ray examination of the small bowel using fluoroscopy and an orally ingested contrast material called barium. Fluoroscopy makes it possible to see internal organs in motion. When coated with barium, the radiologist is able to view and assess the anatomy and function of the small bowel.

Women should always inform their physician and x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.

Your patient may be asked to remove some or all of your clothes and to wear a gown during the exam. You may also be asked to remove jewelry, dentures, eye glasses and any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the x-ray images.

How is the procedure performed?

After the patient drinks the liquid barium, which resembles a light-colored milkshake, xray images of the abdomen will be taken at certain intervals until the barium has reached the colon. The time it takes for the barium to reach the colon varies among people. Usually it takes about 1 hour, but can vary from 15 minutes to 5 hours. Once the barium reaches the colon, the radiologist will use the fluoroscope to look at the motion of the small bowel

What will my patient experience during and after the procedure?

After the examination, your patient can resume a regular diet and take orally administered medications. The barium may color your patient’s stools gray or white for 48 to 72 hours after the procedure. Sometimes the barium can cause temporary constipation, which is usually treated by an over-the-counter laxative. Drinking large quantities of fluids for several days following the test can also help. If your patient is unable to have a bowel movement or if your bowel habits undergo any significant changes following the exam, he/she should call you.