barium enema standard radiology protocol

Barium Enema – Standard Radiology Protocol

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Radiology protocols can vary depending on a few things:

But for the most part, radiology protocols are very similar to some degree. Today, I’m sharing a basic Barium Enema protocol just in case someone needs it for their clinic.

Barium Enema - Standard Radiology Protocol
Image: Wikipedia, shows barium inside the colon.

Barium Enema Protocol

Supplies

  1. IV Pole
  2. KY Jelly
  3. Blue Bulb Air Pump (whatever pump you use)
  4. Balloon Inflator
  5. Double XL Enema System (enema kit)
  6. Liquid Polibar
  7. Green Clamps (clamps to close off tubing)
  8. Chucks (cloth absorbant pad)
  9. Tape
  10. Glucagon available if Radiologist wants to administer it

Barium Enema Setup & Procedure

  1. Set up the room based on your Radiologist’s preferences.
  2. Perform a Timeout with Radiologist (right patient, right procedure, right site)
  3. Explain the procedure to the patient.
  4. Obtain a Scout KUB image.
  5. Show the scout image to the Radiologist and the exam order.
  6. Move patient to their left side and tip (if you are allowed)
  7. Radiologist will tell you whether or not to do post images
  8. Capture the following images:
    1. AP angled sigmoid
    2. AP KUB
    3. Both Decubitus images
    4. PA KUB
    5. Cross-table lateral rectum with tip OUT
    6. Post evac KUB

Post Procedure

  1. Do not let the patient leave until you show images to the Radiologist.
  2. A radiologist determines if the patient gets to leave.

Show the images to the Radiologist before letting the patient leave. Follow Radiologist guidance on any additional images.

What is a Barium Enema – Tech Refresher

A barium enema is another term for an xray of the colon. Also called a B.E., it can reveal abnormal pathology in the large intestine (colon).

The enema is an injection of liquid into your rectum through a small tube. The liquid is a barium contrast that shows up on imaging.

The barium will outline the colon walls and show the gross characteristics of the colon.

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