Upper GI Series
(Barium Swallow)

Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow

Medical Author: Jay W. Marks, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

• 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 gastrointestinal (GI) series?

An upper gastrointestinal (GI) series (barium swallow), is a radiological test that is used to visualize the structures of the upper digestive system - the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. If it is desired to see the remaining parts of the small intestine, a small bowel series can be added to the test. These structures are seen during the examination, and the images are also are saved for further review on X-ray film or digital images. 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 from 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.

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