GI Studies assess the GI tract (esophagus, stomach and intestine) using a low dose of live x-ray known as fluoroscopy.
A GI exam helps detect abnormalities and certain symptoms of the GI tract. The patient will be asked to swallow a contrast agent such as barium and we watch the path of it to the small intestine – no scope required.
Calgary
#140, 4774 Westwinds Drive NE
Cold Lake
#101, 2012 8th Avenue
(Please note Cold Lake currently offers limited bowel evaluations.)
Upper GI Study (UGI)
An upper GI study examines the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine, also known as the duodenum. Using the contrast agent, the radiologist can assess the anatomy and function of your upper GI tract, helping to diagnose the cause of symptoms such as:
Difficulty swallowing
Reflux
Unexplained vomiting
Chest or abdominal pain
Severe indigestion
Small Bowel Follow Through (SBFT)
Very similar to the upper GI study and often done in conjunction with it, the difference with this test involves a larger amount of barium contrast liquid and x-rays of the abdomen are taken at regular intervals, mapping out the entire small bowel. SBFT is used in the diagnosis of conditions such as:
Crohn’s disease or celiac disease
Small bowel obstruction
Cancer of the small intestine
Abnormal masses or polyps
Complications related to surgery of the abdomen or bowel
UGI exam: approx. 30 minutes.
SBFT exam: this can take anywhere from one to four hours, while images are taken at regular intervals to monitor the progression of the barium through the small bowel.
Please ensure you allow adequate time for your exam as the times are unpredictable.
Please have nothing to eat or drink for at least 8 hours prior to your examination. This includes no smoking, no lozenges and no gum.
This imaging is rarely done in Alberta. It requires the best equipment in order to view what is happening in the body in real time. Our technologists have specially trained under our leading radiologist in order to properly assess the bowels.
Almost every service we offer is covered by Alberta Health Care (or your province of residence) as long as you have a valid health card. To access full coverage, please bring your valid health care card and a referral from your health care provider to your appointment.
Our exceptions to full coverage are our:
Synolis injections for pain therapy. Alberta Health Services does not cover Synolis injections. However, AHS does cover our Cortisone pain therapy injections.
DEXA exams. DEXA exams gives infomation about your body fat, muscle mass and your bone density. It is not covered by Alberta Health Services.
No, you do not. Your primary physician may suggest a clinic location for you; however, that doesn’t mean you are required to get your exam at that location. We invite you to visit our clinic or any location for your exam where you feel safe and comfortable.
If you are due for your routine screening mammogram, in some scenarios there is an option for a “self-referral.” This will save you visiting the doctor for a requisition form. There are certain criteria you must meet, so please call for more information to determine if you qualify for this option. If you have any concerns about your breast health, please speak to your doctor.
Yes, we have qualified female and male technologists available to complete your scan.
Our qualified technologists will perform your examination for our radiologists, who will interpret and put into a report.
Please note technologists cannot give exam results.
This report will be issued shortly after your appointment and faxed directly to your referring doctor. We recommend that you make an appointment with your health care provider, one to two business days after your exam to discuss your results.
Your exam requires a high level of focus for our technologists to accurately capture the images we require for your exam. If you have small children, please do your best to leave them with someone else or have someone come with you to sit with them in the waiting room.
Different types of scans require different preparation. Please visit your specific exam page to learn more about your required preparation.
#140, 4774 Westwinds Drive NE Calgary, AB T3J 0L7
#12, 3575 Rundlehorn Drive NE Calgary, AB T1Y 2K1
#101, 2012 8th Avenue Cold Lake, AB T9M 1C2
#104, 4610 50th Street Bonnyville, AB T9N 0G2
#309 1st Street SW, High River, AB T1V 1R3
Our customers’ satisfaction is our top priority. Read their heartfelt testimonials and see how we’ve exceeded their expectations. Their experiences speak volumes about our commitment to quality and service.
#140, 4774 Westwinds Drive NE
Calgary, AB T3J 0L7
Phone 1 (587) 623 - 0900
Fax1 (587) 623 - 0901
#12, 3575 Rundlehorn Drive NE
Calgary, AB T1Y 2K1
Phone 1 (587) 623 - 0900
Fax1 (587) 623 - 0901
#101, 2012 8th Avenue
Cold Lake, AB T9M 1C2
Phone 1 (780) 639 - 0900
Fax1 (780) 639 - 0906
#309 1st Street SW, High River, AB
T1V 1R3
Phone 1 (587) 623 - 0900
Fax1 (587) 623 - 0901
