UPPER G.I. SERIES
(Stomach x-ray)
WHAT IS IT?
An upper G.I. series is an examination of your esophagus (the passage from your mouth
to the stomach), stomach, and duodenum (the passage out of your stomach). These are
made visible on x-ray by the use of a contrast media called barium which you will be
asked to drink.
WHERE WILL IT BE DONE?
In the Radiology Department.
WHO WILL DO THE EXAM?
The Radiologist, who is a physician with special training in interpretation of the images
the will take the images and complete the exam. A Registered Technologist will assist the
Radiologist.
WHY AM I HAVING THIS TEST DONE?
To determine if you have any ulcers, narrowing of the esophagus, hiatal hernia, or
obstruction.
HOW LONG WILL THE EXAM TAKE?
The exam will take approximately 30-35 minutes. However, if you need x-rays of your
entire small bowel also, it will take additional time, usually 1 ½ hours total.
WHAT ARE THEY GOING TO DO TO ME?
You will be taken into an examination room where the Technologist will explain the
exam. Then the Radiologist will arrive. You will stand behind the fluoroscope. You
will be given two small cups. One has white crystal substance and the other is water. Put
the crystals on the back of your tongue and drink the water. This is used to produce air in
your stomach so when you drink the barium it will coat your stomach wall better. The
table will then be lowered. You will be asked to roll over once or twice to mix the
barium with air. The Radiologist will take several images moving you in different
positions. He may require you to drink more barium also. He will leave the room and
the technologist will take 3-4 more images. All your images will be checked and, if no
further images are needed, you will be finished with this exam.
SMALL BOWEL?
If your doctor has ordered a small bowel study, you will be required to drink another cup
of barium and stay in the department while the images are taken every 15 minutes for at
least one hour or until the barium has gone from the stomach to the colon.
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WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP DURING THE EXAM?
Relax; follow the instructions of the Technologist/Radiologist.
Answer any questions they ask as accurately as you can. Ask them any questions except
the results, as your doctor will discuss this with you.
PREGNANT? MAYBE?
Please inform the Technologist even if you might be pregnant. Remember, this
information is confidential.
CAN I EAT OR DRINK BEFORE THIS EXAM?
You will not be permitted to eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum after midnight. If you are
having other tests, the prep for them may work in conjunction with this prep.
Your test is scheduled on ____________________________at ____________________.
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