What is the next step the radiographer should take after conducting a scout film for a double-contrast esophagram?

After conducting a scout film for a double-contrast esophagram, the next appropriate step involves preparing the patient to ingest the contrast material. In a double-contrast esophagram, the purpose is to clearly visualize the esophagus using both a negative contrast agent (usually air) and a positive contrast agent (like barium).

In this context, asking the patient to drink the entire bottle of barium suspension is essential. This prepares the esophagus adequately for the imaging process by ensuring that it is well-coated with barium, allowing for optimal visualization of the esophagus's structure and any abnormalities during the subsequent imaging phases.

The role of the scout film is to evaluate the initial condition, allowing the radiographer to assess if there are any contraindications or complications before advancing to the next step, which emphasizes the importance of the barium intake at this stage.