Barium Enema (BE)

Overview-
A barium enema is an xray exam of the large intestine (colon).

Preparation-
You will be asked to come by the radiology department and pick up a prep kit that will clean out your colon. The kit will include instructions on how to eat for the two days prior to your exam. If your colon is not cleaned out properly, your test may be rescheduled.

Length of exam-
A barium enema takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour.

How is the exam performed?
You will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist down and put on a gown. The xray technologist will ask you to lay down on the xray table. The technologist will explain the procedure to you at this point. A barium tip will be inserted into your rectum and the technologist and radiologist will administer a barium mixture into your large intestine. You will lay in several positions while images are made. After these images, the technologist will remove the barium tip and you will be taken to the restroom.

Results-
Please contact your physician for the results of your test. The results will be available within a couple of days.

This page is intended for education purposes only. This should not replace medical advice from your physician. Please call your physician if you have medical questions concerning your health. For any questions about the procedure, please contact the radiology department.