Contrast Enema

Also known as: barium enema, BE.

What is a contrast enema?

A Contrast Enema or Barium Enema (BE) is a test that takes pictures of your child’s large intestine. A special water-like liquid will be used which acts as a highlight to show details of the large intestine, rectum, and colon.
 

What happens during a Barium Enema?

• A BE takes pictures using a special type of X-ray called Fluoroscopy.
• X-rays use a small, safe dose of radiation to help create the pictures.
• Pregnant women and accompanying children are not permitted in the room during the scan. Please arrive with another adult who can stay with your child or accompanying children during the procedure.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Step 1: Getting Ready

• A hospital representative will walk the parent and patient from the waiting room to an exam room where there will be a table with a camera attached.
• Next, the parent will be provided a hospital gown for the child to change into. All clothing must be removed except for the hospital gown.
• The technologist will then ask the parent to help the child onto on the table to prepare for the pictures.
• A member of the medical team will explain the procedure, which entails gently placing a soft, flexible, plastic, jelly covered tube into your child’s bottom and securing it in place.   
  • Your child may feel pressure and or the need to go the bathroom during this time.
  • Help your child to relax his/her muscles by taking in deep, slow breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth to make the tube placement easier.

Barium Enema Preparation Guidelines

Children 6-30 pounds

• Nothing by mouth three hours prior to the exam
• Insert 1/2 Dulcolax suppository rectally at bedtime
• Insert 1/4 Dulcolax suppository rectally at 6:00 am

Children 31-45 pounds

• Nothing by mouth after midnight
• 10 cc castor oil by mouth at 2:00 pm (2 teaspoons)
• Insert 1/2 Dulcolax suppository rectally at bedtime
• Insert 1/2 Dulcolax suppository rectally at 6:00 am

Children 46-60 pounds

• Nothing by mouth after midnight
• 20 cc castor oil by mouth at 2:00 pm (4 teaspoons)
• Insert 1 Dulcolax suppository rectally at bedtime

Children 61-75 pounds

• Nothing by mouth after midnight
• 30 cc castor oil by mouth at 2:00 pm (1 ounce)
• Insert 1 Dulcolax suppository rectally at bedtime

Children 76-90 pounds

• Nothing by mouth after midnight
• 35 cc castor oil by mouth at 2:00 pm (7 teaspoons)
• Insert 1 Dulcolax suppository rectally at bedtime

Children 91 pounds and over

• Nothing by mouth after midnight
• 60 cc castor oil by mouth at 2:00 pm (2 ounces)
• Insert 1 Dulcolax suppository rectally at bedtime

Reviewed by: Carrie Firestone Baum, MD

This page was last updated on: September 16, 2025 12:41 PM