Upper GI and Small Bowel Series
Alternate Names : Barium Swallow X-Ray, GI Series, Upper GI Series
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How is the Test 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 milk shake that has a barium mixture in it. You must drink 16 oz 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 usually takes around three hours. However, in some cases, it may take up to six hours to complete.
A GI series may include this test and/or a barium enema.
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