| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | X-rays to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. X-ray pictures are taken after one has swallowed a barium suspension (contrast medium). See also barium enema . X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation (like light). They are of higher energy, however, and 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 a hospital radiology department. You will be sitting or standing up while your heart, lungs, and abdomen are examined with a fluoroscope (a special X-ray that projects images onto a TV screen-like monitor). 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 milk shake type drink that has a barium mixture in it. You must drink 16 to 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 takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete. A "GI series" may include an upper gastrointestinal (GI) and small bowel series, and/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. The night before the test and the day of the test, you cannot smoke or eat. Generally, oral medications may be taken, however, it is best to check with your doctor before the test. Remove all jewelry. Infants and children: The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year) Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years) Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years) Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years) Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years) |
| How the test will feel | The X-ray causes no discomfort. The barium milk shake has a chalky texture. |
| Why the test is performed | The purpose of the test is to detect abnormalities of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestines. |
| Normal Values | The esophagus, stomach, and small intestine are normal in size and contour. |
| What abnormal results mean | In the esophagus, abnormal results may mean: Esophageal cancerEsophageal stricture (benign)Hiatal hernia (a portion of the stomach protrudes through the esophageal opening) Diverticula (a pouch-like sac that protrudes from the walls of an organ) Ulcers (open sores) Achalasia (esophagus fails to relax) In the stomach, abnormal results may mean: Gastric cancerGastric ulcer; benign Polyps (a tumor that is usually noncancerous that grows on the mucous membrane ) Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)Pyloric stenosis (a narrowing of the opening from the stomach) In the small intestines the test may reveal: Tumors Malabsorption syndrome (inadequate absorption of nutrients in the intestinal tract) Inflammation of the small intestines Additional conditions under which the test may be performed: Alcoholic neuropathyAnnular pancreasCMV gastroenteritis/colitisCystic fibrosisDuodenal ulcerGastroesophageal reflux diseaseGastroparesisIntestinal obstructionLower esophageal ring ( Schatzki's ) Ovarian cancerPrimary or idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction |
| What the risks are | There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the X-ray . Barium may cause constipation. Consult your health care provider if the barium has not passed through your system by 2 or 3 days after the exam. |
| Special considerations | This examination should be performed after other X-ray procedures, because the barium that is retained may obscure the details on other films . |
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