Radiographic Procedures, Patient Preparation, and Contrast Media

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering patient preparation, contrast media categories, anatomical projections, and specialized radiographic procedures.

Tactile preparation

A form of patient communication involving physical touch to help a patient remove items or artifacts, such as unclasping a necklace.

Internal preparation

Procedures performed inside the body to cleanse the intestinal tract or colon prior to imaging studies.

NPO

An abbreviation meaning nothing by mouth (no food, no water), typically prescribed eight hours prior to an exam or after midnight.

Scout image

A preliminary radiograph taken without any contrast administered into the body, used to verify whether the patient is adequately cleansed.

Negative contrast

A class of contrast media consisting of air and gases, such as carbon dioxide, that appears black on a radiograph.

Positive contrast

A class of contrast media, including barium sulfate and iodine-based solutions, that appears white on a radiograph.

Barium peritonitis

A potentially fatal condition that occurs when barium leaks through a perforation in the GI tract into the peritoneal cavity and hardens like concrete.

Double contrast study

An examination utilizing both positive contrast (such as barium) and negative contrast (such as air) to visualize anatomy.

Orthogonal views

Two radiographic projections obtained at $90^\text{o}$ to one another, such as an AP or PA projection combined with a lateral projection.

Cervical spine

The uppermost section of the vertebral column located at the neck, composed of 7 vertebrae.

Thoracic spine

The upper back portion of the vertebral column, composed of 12 vertebrae.

Lumbar spine

The lower back portion of the vertebral column, composed of 5 vertebrae.

Appendicitis

Inflammation of the appendix, often evaluated using a CT scan.

Fluoroscopy (Fluoro)

A dynamic radiographic examination conducted by a radiologist or radiologist assistant using a fluoroscopy scope with radiographer assistance.

Esophagogram

A fluoroscopic examination of the esophagus performed by having the patient ingest oral barium sulfate.

Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series

A fluoroscopic procedure in which oral barium contrast is ingested specifically to visualize the stomach and its emptying into the duodenum.

Small bowel follow through (SMBFT)

A series of timed abdominal radiographs (KUBs) taken after oral barium ingestion until the contrast travels through the small intestine.

Ileocecal valve (Terminal ileum)

The anatomical endpoint of the small bowel where a small bowel follow-through examination is officially considered complete.

Retrograde

Movement or administration in a backward flow, such as introducing contrast upward through the rectum into the colon.

Intravenous urography (IVU / IVP)

A urinary examination where water-soluble, iodinated contrast is injected into a vein via venipuncture to observe excretion by the kidneys.

Cystography (Cystogram)

A radiographic examination dedicated to visualizing the urinary bladder by infusing contrast through a Foley catheter placed into the urethra.

Voiding

The act of urinating, imaged under fluoroscopy during a voiding cystourethrogram to evaluate for blockages or narrowing.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

An examination of the biliary tree and ducts connecting the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas using an endoscope and water-soluble iodinated contrast.

Arteriogram (Angiogram)

A radiographic study used to visualize arteries and blood vessels using water-soluble contrast media.

Arthrogram (Arthrography)

An imaging study of a joint space (such as hips, shoulders, or knees) where water-soluble contrast is injected under fluoroscopy prior to CT or MRI.

Hysterosalpingography (HSG)

A female reproductive study where water-soluble contrast is introduced via catheter through the cervix into the uterus and fallopian tubes.

Patent

Open or unobstructed, describing the condition of fallopian tubes when contrast spills freely into the peritoneal cavity during an HSG.

Mammography

A specialized radiographic study of breast tissue primarily used to screen for and detect breast cancer.

Myelography (Myelogram)

A fluoroscopic imaging study of the spinal canal where water-soluble contrast media is injected into the subarachnoid space.

Intrathecal injection

An injection administered directly into the subarachnoid space of the spinal canal.