Instructions for Your Test or Procedure

NOTE: We are pleased to provide standard instructions regarding your test or procedure. Please contact your physician to discuss your individual needs and medical circumstances before you proceed.

Diagnostic X-Ray Procedure: Examination of the Colon (Barium Enema or Air Contrast Barium Enema)

Note: This preparation is not to be used if you are known to have ulcerative or granulomatous colitis or thought to have a bowel obstruction or appendicitis. Consult your physician or Imaging Center staff for appropriate instructions.
All of the necessary items can be purchased over the counter at a pharmacy.

Two Days Before Your Procedure

Two days before the examination, have only a MINIMAL RESIDUE diet (see below) for breakfast and lunch. Have a CLEAR LIQUID diet for dinner. Drink at least eight glasses of water that day.

The Day Before Your Procedure
At 2:00 p.m. on the day before the examination take two ounces (four tablespoons) of Caster Oil.

At 7:00 p.m. on the evening before the examination take 4 Dulcolax tablets, 5 mg. each. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed.

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

The Morning of Your Procedure

Take 1 Dulcolax suppository, 10 mg., at 6:00 a.m. on the morning of the examination.

Dietary Instructions:

Clear Liquid Diet
Water, ice, tea, coffee (regular or decaffeinated), carbonated beverages, clear bouillion, consume, broth, plain gelatin desserts, non-milk sherbet, juices (apple, grape, lemonade), sugar and salt

Light Lunch or Light Supper
Choice of: sliced chicken or turkey, sliced beef, eggs, cottage cheese; potato without skin or white bread; butter, mayonnaise or jelly; tea, coffee (regular or decaffeinated) with cream or milk and sugar if desired; gelatin, applesauce or fruit juice.

Minimal Residue Diet

Milk: one cup daily, including that used in cooking. More than one cup of milk or milk beverage daily is NOT allowed.
Other beverages: tea, coffee (regular or decaffeinated), powdered fruit drinks, carbonated beverages
Eggs: hard cooked. Raw or soft cooked eggs NOT allowed.
Meats: broiled, baked, roasted chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, veal, liver, white fish; crisp bacon. Fried or highly seasoned items such as prepared luncheon meats and cheese are NOT allowed.
Cereal: refined such as farina, rice, cream of rice, Rice Krispies, cornflakes, plain macaroni, noodles, spaghetti. Meat or tomato sauces are NOT allowed.
Vegetables: white potato without skin. All other vegetables are NOT allowed.
Desserts: clear gelatin without fruit, angel cake and non-milk sherbet.
Fats: butter, margarine, crisp bacon, cream is part of milk allowance. All others are NOT allowed.
Seasonings: clear broth or bouillon, sugar, honey, pure sugar candy, jelly, corn syrup, salt, pepper in small amounts. All others are NOT allowed.

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