• What is an upper GI series?
• What are the risks of an upper GI series?
• How does a patient prepare for an upper GI series, and how is it performed?
• How does the patient obtain the results of the upper GI series?
• Upper GI Series At A Glance

What is an upper GI series?

An upper GI (gastrointestinal) series, or barium swallow, is a radiology test which is used to visualize the structures of the upper digestive system (the esophagus, stomach and duodenum). These structures are seen during the examination and the images are also saved for further review on x-ray film. The results of an upper GI series can reveal conditions such as ulcers, tumors, hiatal hernias, scarring, blockages, and abnormalities of the muscular wall of the gastrointestinal tissues.

What are the risks of an upper GI series?

Any x-ray test procedure involves some risk of radiation exposure. The radiation exposure is minimized by standard techniques that have been assigned and approved by national and international radiology committees and councils. Radiology technicians are certified by national certifying boards.

Patients who are or may be pregnant should notify the requesting practitioner and radiology staff, as there is potential risk of harm to the fetus with any radiation exposure.

How does a patient prepare for an upper GI series, and how is it performed?

A radiology technologist guides the patient through the upper GI series test along with a radiologist (a physician trained in performing and interpreting x-rays). Because an upper GI series involves interpreting images of the gastrointestinal system, it is important that any materials or objects internally or externally that could potentially interfere with interpretation of the x-ray film be avoided. Therefore, prior to an upper GI series, patients are requested not to eat or drink anything from four to eight hours before the procedure. Patients are also asked to remove extraneous clothing and all metallic objects, such as jewelry.

The patient will be positioned behind x-ray equipment called a fluoroscope for x-ray exposure. The patient is then asked to swallow a liquid which contains barium. The barium coats the lining of the intestinal tract which makes these organs visible. X-rays of the stomach and intestine done without barium provide very little detail and information by comparison. X-ray images are obtained at different angles through the upper chest and abdomen. The x-ray machine (fluoroscope) produces these images by sending x-ray radiation through the tissues of the body to a film on the opposite side of the body. As the radiation penetrates the body, it is absorbed in varying amounts by different body tissues. Due to differences in their composition, the different organs and certain abnormalities and conditions all become visible on the x-ray film, since they block the penetration of the x-ray beam to varying degrees. After development of the film, an image of the organs is revealed. The radiologist then examines the x-rays and can define various normal and abnormal structures of the gastrointestinal system. If needed, further enhancement of the different structures can be obtained by having air as well as barium in the stomach. This is accomplished by swallowing baking soda crystals.

As barium passes through the digestive system, constipation can result. Therefore, it is generally advisable that patients who undergo an upper GI series drink extra fluids after the test and consider a laxative to relieve the bowels of the barium. After passing in the stool, barium has a whitish appearance which may be noticed for several days after the test.

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