Definition: Abdominal ultrasound is an imaging procedure used to examine the internal organs of the abdomen, including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys. The blood vessels that lead to some of these organs can also be looked at with ultrasound.
Alternative Names: Ultrasound - abdomen; Abdominal sonogram
More information on an abdominal ultrasound >
Definition: Barium enema is a special x-ray of the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum.
Alternative Names: Lower gastrointestinal series; Lower GI series
More information on a barium enema >
One bowel prep medication type may not be right for everyone, and you should always use the bowel prep medication that your doctor has directed you to use. Colonoscopy bowel prep instructions are listed below by medication type for your convenience: CLENPIQ®, GoLYTELY®, MiraLAX®, MoviPrep®, PLENVU®, OsmoPrep® and SUPREP®.
Click here to download prep instructions in English or Spanish >
Definition: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive way to take pictures of the body.
Unlike x-rays and computed tomographic (CT) scans, which use radiation, MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves. The MRI scanner contains the magnet. The magnetic field produced by an MRI is about 10 thousand times greater than the earth's. The magnetic field forces hydrogen atoms in the body to line up in a certain way (similar to how the needle on a compass moves when you hold it near a magnet). When radio waves are sent toward the lined-up hydrogen atoms, they bounce back, and a computer records the signal. Different types of tissues send back different signals.
Alternative Names: Magnetic resonance imaging; Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging
Definition: A computed tomography (CT) scan of the pelvis is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the organs inside the pelvis (liver, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas, and bladder, prostate, lymph nodes, and pelvic bones).
Alternative Names: CAT scan - pelvis; Computed axial tomography scan - pelvis; Computed tomography scan - pelvis
Definition: A sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic test to check the lower part of your colon or large intestine (the sigmoid colon). This part of your colon is close to your rectum and anus.
Alternative Names: Flexible sigmoidoscopy (flex sig)
Flexible sigmoidoscopy preparation instructions > | Watch a video on sigmoidoscopy procedure >
Definition: An upper GI endoscopy is a procedure to diagnose and treat problems in your upper GI tract.
Alternative Names: EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy)
More information on an upper GI endoscopy >
Definition: An upper GI and small bowel series is a set of x-rays taken to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.Also see barium enema
Alternative Names: GI series; Barium swallow x-ray; Upper GI series
