The Prep Instructions for a Barium Enema

A barium enema is a type of X-ray that examines your gastrointestinal tract. A barium enema detects anomalies by using the barium as a contrasting material. Two types of barium exams include a single-column barium enema and an air-contrast barium enema. A single-column barium enema coats the interior of your colon with barium. An air-contrast barium enema uses air to expand the colon after the colon has been filled with barium. The air allows the colon to expand in order to search for pockets or narrowed areas.

Things You'll Need

• Clear fluids
• Laxatives prescribed by physician

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Instructions

• 1

  Keep liquids clear.

  Avoid eating solid foods. According to the Mayo Clinic, you may be placed on special diet that includes only clear liquids, clear carbonated beverages and broth.

• 2

  Follow your physician's orders.

  Take laxatives as prescribed by your physician. The laxative is taken the night before your procedure and needs to be completed in order to thoroughly flush your colon. Depending on your physician, a laxative may be administered in pill or liquid form.

• 3

  Drink eight to ten glasses of water.

  Drink large amounts of water during the prep for your barium enema. The excess water will help to flush out contents from your colon.

• 4

  Clean your colon as much as possible.

  Use an enema as directed by your physician the night before your procedure. Empty your bowels as much as possible.