Fluoroscopy: Small Bowel Follow Through (SBFT)

A SBFT is an exam that visualizes the small intestines. In order to clearly see the small intestines, 2-3 cups of barium are consumed for the exam. The barium must flow through the entire small bowel before the exam is finished, which takes an average of 3 hours, although some patients may require more time.

Please plan on being at the radiology department for at least 3-4 hours. The patient may wish to bring a book to pass the time.

During this time, radiology technologists will take x-ray images of the small intestines in certain time increments. Once the barium has passed through the small intestine, the exam is completed in a specialized fluoroscopy room.

The fluoroscopy machine is an advanced x-ray machine that allows images to be taken during movement, much like a home video camera, which are displayed on a television monitor in the room. This portion of the procedure takes only a few minutes.

Before arriving at the radiology department, the patient must not have consumed any food or drink since midnight.

When arriving at the radiology department, the patient is first asked to change into a hospital-provided gown for the exam.

The gown is to ensure that no unusual presentations occur on the image from the patient’s clothing. It also ensures that should any barium be accidentally spilled, it is not spilled on the patient’s personal clothing. Underpants, socks, shoes, rings and watches may be worn during the exam, but necklaces and earrings cannot be worn.

The exam procedure is as follows:

  1. An abdomen x-ray is first taken.
  2. The patient then consumes 2-3 cups of barium as quickly as possible (the faster the barium is consumed, the faster the test).
  3. When the patient has finished drinking the barium, a radiologic technologist will take an x-ray immediately, and then in 15-30 minutes intervals following the initial x-ray.
  4. When the barium has passed through the small intestine, the patient will be escorted into the specialized fluoroscopy room, where a fluoroscope will be used to image the junction between the small bowel and the large bowel. To see this clearly, a rubber paddle is used to press on the abdomen. This portion of the exam only takes a few minutes.
  5. When the images from the fluoroscope have been obtained, the exam is completed. The patient may then return home.
  6. The SBFT is sometimes paired with the Upper Gastrointestinal Exam. For further information, please refer to that exam. (Note: when combined with the Upper Gastrointestinal Exam only, the amount of barium for the small bowel exam is reduced to 1-2 cups due to barium already consumed for the Upper Gastrointestinal exam).

Afterwards, the patient is able to resume all activities immediately. The patient is strongly encouraged to drink plenty of water and fluids for the next few days to prevent constipation from the barium. A report will be generated in 3-5 days and be available to your doctor. Films and reports can be obtained from our Image Library.

Each individual patient will have specific needs and concerns that we will address before your study begins. Please feel free to ask us questions at any time.