HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

What is the difference between a barium enema test and a colonoscopy?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

One uses xrays: barium enem is putting a fluid in your rectum and taking xrays by a radiologist. a gi doctor looks at the inside of your colon using a long scope to diagnose issues and can biopsy a lesion at the same time

Dr Ali agreed

Answered 5/11/2015

3k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

Had an incomplete colonoscopy due to a redundant colon. Going for a barium enema now . If polyps are discovered in that area how can they be removed?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

My last barium enema test was somewhat tramautic, painful. Can I insist on a colonoskpy at this county hosp. Instead?

4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

The barium enema test is very rough for me. Do I have a right to a colonoskopy instead? Do they have the right to deny my operation if I deny the be?

12 doctors weighed in across 4 answers

A member asked:

Will a barium test show all of the stool in the small and large intestines? Is it typical to have one performed weeks before the first colonoscopy?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Fluid in abdomen and right lung. If ascitis, what tests do? Colonoscopy normal. CT normal (just show fluid). Barium normal. Severe ab pain. FBC normal

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more

People also searched for:

What is the difference between a barium enema and a CT colonoscopy?
What is the difference between a CT colonoscopy and a barium enema?
Hi is there anyway of getting out of having a colonoscopy. Would a ct scan,MRI, barium enema or any type of other test work to detect why I have black stools because I really dont want a colonoscopy please help thanks. Really would like a ct scan?
What kind of prep is needed for a barium enema as opposed to a colonoscopy?
Can bowel cancer be diagnosed through a barium enema and a colonoscopy? Help please?

Telemedicine

Primary Care
Manage Your Conditions
Women's Health
Children's Health
Men's Health
Senior Health
Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle
Sexual Health
Mental & Behavioral Health
Travel Medicine
Urgent Care
Ask your question
Didn't find what you're looking for?

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

Ask your question

More of what we treat

Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Prescriptions
Type 2 Diabetes
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.