Hysterosalpingography is an x-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes that involves the injection of contrast (dye) through the cervix.
Alternative NamesHSG; Uterosalpingography; Hysterogram; Uterotubography
How the test is performedThe exam takes place in a radiology department using an overhead x-ray machine. You will lie on a table beneath the x-ray machine and place your feet in stirrups, like during a pelvic exam. A speculum is placed into the vagina, and the cervix is cleaned.
A thin tube (catheter) is placed in the cervix. Contrast passes through this tube, filling the uterus and fallopian tubes. The contrast makes the structures visible when the x-rays are taken.
How to prepare for the testBecause there's a risk of infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics to take before and after the procedure. Your health care provider may also supply drugs to help you relax during the procedure. Be prepared to sign a consent form before the test begins and to wear hospital clothing.
Often the test will be scheduled in the week following your period or toward the end of your period, to ensure that you are not pregnant during the test and to decrease the risk for infection.
Inform your health care provider of any allergic reactions to contrast dye you may have had in the past.
You can eat and drink normally before the test.
How the test will feelThe test feels much like a vaginal examination associated with a Pap smear. You may have menstrual-type cramping during or after the test. You may have some pain if the contrast leaks into your abdominal cavity or if the tubes are blocked.
Why the test is performedThis test allows the health care provider to see the structures of the uterus and fallopian tubes, and to determine if there are any blockages or other problems. The test is usually done as part of an infertilityexamination. It may also be done after a permanent sterilization procedure to confirm that the tubes are fully blocked.
Normal ValuesNormally, all genital structures are there and are normal, without defects of any kind. Contrast can normally be seen leaking out the fallopian tubes into the abdominal cavity.
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results meanAbnormal results may indicate any of the following:
This test should not be performed if you have pelvic inflammatory disease(PID) or are experiencing unexplained vaginal bleeding.
After the test, report any signs or symptoms of infection to your health care provider immediately. These include foul-smelling vaginal discharge, pain, or fever.
ReferencesKatz VL. Diagnostic Procedures: Imaging, Endometrial Sampling, Endoscopy: Indications and Contraindications, Complications. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM eds.Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007: chap 11.hysterosalpingography
During a hysterosalpingography, a low amount of radiation is used to visualize the uterus and fallopian tubes. The radiation dose is minimal and considered safe for the procedure. The benefits of the test often outweigh the potential risks from the radiation.
X raying of the uterus and fallopian tubes following the injection of a contrast dye
I have checked in Anand Labs they say its 1600 INR.
Hysterosalpingography is used to determine if the fallopian tubes are open, or if there are any apparent abnormalities or defects in the uterus. It can be used to detect tumors, scar tissue, or tears in the lining of the uterus.
Hystero- refers to the uterus, salpingo- refers to the fallopian tubes, and -graphy is an image. So a hysterosalpingography is when you inject dye into the uterus and then take x-rays of it to determine the shape and patency of the uterus and fallopian tubes.
This procedure should not be done on women who suspect they might be pregnant or who may have a pelvic infection. Women who have had an allergic reaction to dye used in previous x-ray procedures should inform their doctor.
A test tube experiment is commonly referred to as an "in vitro" experiment. This means that the experiment is conducted outside a living organism or natural setting, typically in a controlled laboratory environment using test tubes or other lab equipment.
It would be sensible to delay the procedure until antimicrobial therapy has had time to eradicate the infection. If, however, the procedure is deemed medically urgent, then the radiological staff should take extreme care not to spread contamination from the urethra into the womb. This would necessitate scrupulous skin decontamination with an appropriate bacteriocidal skin preparation agent.
The medical term is hysterosalpingography, short form salpingogram or HSG. Contrast dye is injected into the uterus, and then the radiologist watches for "fill and spill" showing that the uterine cavity and the lumen of each fallopian tube is normal.
This procedure isn't covered by my insurance. I called today to find out the total cost to me. The hospital / testing facility charges $805 for all their services. The radiologist bills separately, but only charges $77. I was told I could call the hospital to check on a discount or payment plan. I plan on trying to see if I can get at least 10% off by paying cash up front.
Radiography and CT scans are not the same; radiography uses X-rays to create two-dimensional images, while CT scans provide detailed, cross-sectional images of the body using multiple X-ray angles. Radiography of the uterus and oviducts after injecting a contrast medium is known as hysterosalpingography (HSG). This procedure helps visualize the shape of the uterus and check for blockages in the fallopian tubes, aiding in the assessment of female fertility issues.