For a single-contrast barium enema, the barium sulphate solution is a
thinner consistency but a larger amount is needed to completely fill the
large intestine. High kilovoltage (100-125kvp) is used to get a good
penetration of the barium filled colon, and it is important to take the
films as quickly as possible since the patients are very uncomfortable when
the bowel is completely distended.
Routine films for a single contrast study
include a supine and prone abdomen film as well as both obliques to see the
hepatic and spenic flexures of the large bowel. The patient will completely
evacuate the bowel and one more film, the post-evacuation film (PE) usually
done AP (anteroposterior, or front to back) supine, will be taken.
An older single contrast barium enema
nozzle
