Upper GI and small bowel series

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Barium ingestion

Stomach cancer, X-ray

Upper GI and small bowel series

Definition:

An upper GI and small bowel series is a set of x-rays taken to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. X-rays are taken after the patient has swallowed a barium suspension (contrast medium). See also barium enema (lower GI series).

text continues below

X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation like light, but of higher energy, so they can penetrate the body to form an image on film. Structures that are dense (such as bone) will appear white, air will be black, and other structures will be shades of gray. Barium is very dense and will appear white on the x-ray film.

Alternative Names:
GI series; Barium swallow x-ray; Upper GI series
How the test is performed:

This test may be done in an office or in a hospital radiology department. You will be sitting or standing up while your heart, lungs, and abdomen are examined with a fluoroscope (a type of x-ray that projects images onto a monitor like a TV screen).

You may be given an injection of a medication that will temporarily slow bowel movement, so structures can be more easily imaged. You will then be given a drink like a milkshake that has a barium mixture in it. You must drink 16 - 20 oz. for the examination.

The passage of the barium through the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine is monitored on the fluoroscope. Pictures are taken with you in a variety of positions. The test usually takes around three hours. However, in some cases, it may take up to 6 hours to complete.

A GI series may include this test or a barium enema.

How to prepare for the test:

You may be given a restricted diet for 2 or 3 days before the test. You will likely be told not to smoke or eat for a period of time before the test. Generally, oral medications may be taken.

Be sure to check with your health care provider regarding any dietary or medication restrictions before the test. Never discontinue or decrease medications without consulting your health care provider.

Remove all jewelry before the test.

Infants and children:

The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics: