Radiologic Technologist Practice Exam

The technique of using a barium swallow or barium enema is key to visualizing the gastrointestinal tract during fluoroscopy. Barium sulfate is a radiopaque contrast agent that is ingested or introduced into the rectum, allowing for enhanced imaging of the GI tract under fluoroscopic guidance.

When a patient undergoes a barium swallow, they drink a barium solution which provides excellent contrast for the esophagus and stomach, revealing details about potential abnormalities such as strictures, tumors, or ulcers. In the case of a barium enema, the barium is administered rectally to visualize the colon and rectum, helping to detect conditions such as diverticulitis or colonic polyps.

Other imaging modalities, such as a contrast-enhanced CT scan or ultrasound imaging, serve different purposes and are not primarily focused on real-time visualization of the gastrointestinal tract. Similarly, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography is specialized for imaging the biliary and pancreatic ducts, rather than the overall gastrointestinal system. Thus, the barium swallow or barium enema stands out as the favored method for dynamic visualization during fluoroscopy.