The Center for Pediatric Imaging

Preparing for Special X-Ray Studies

For Barium Swallow, Upper G-I, or Upper G-I with small bowel follow through:

Birth to 1 year: Nothing by mouth for 4 hours prior
1 year to 18 years: Nothing by mouth after midnight if morning appointment Nothing by mouth for 6 hours if afternoon appointment

For Barium Enema: Under 1 year--no preparation necessary

For Hirschsprung's disease: no preparation necessary
For other reasons (under age 5): 1 Ducolax suppository at 7 p.m. on the evening before and Pediatric Fleets at least 3 hours before
For other reasons (over age 5): 3 Ducolax tablets at 7 p.m. on the evening before and Fleets enema at least 3 hours before. Clear fluids can be given 24 hours before. Nothing by mouth after midnight if the exam is in the morning, and nothing by mouth 6 hours prior to the exam if it is scheduled for the afternoon.

For VCUG (Voiding cystourethrogram): no preparation necessary.

For IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram): Clear fluids upon awakening but no solid foods after midnight.