what is involved in an upper GI series test?

Question

test for stomach ailments

Answer 1

The upper gastrointestinal (GI) series uses x rays to diagnose problems in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). It may also be used to examine the small intestine. The upper GI series can show a blockage, abnormal growth, ulcer, or a problem with the way an organ is working.

During the procedure, you will drink barium, a thick, white, milkshake-like liquid. Barium coats the inside lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, and makes them show up more clearly on x rays. The radiologist can also see ulcers, scar tissue, abnormal growths, hernias, or areas where something is blocking the normal path of food through the digestive system. Using a machine called a fluoroscope, the radiologist is also able to watch your digestive system work as the barium moves through it. This part of the procedure shows any problems in how the digestive system functions, for example, whether the muscles that control swallowing are working properly. As the barium moves into the small intestine, the radiologist can take x rays of it as well.

An upper GI series takes 1 to 2 hours. X rays of the small intestine may take 3 to 5 hours. It is not uncomfortable. The barium may cause constipation and white-colored stool for a few days after the procedure.

Preparation
Your stomach and small intestine must be empty for the procedure to be accurate, so the night before you will not be able to eat or drink anything after midnight. Your physician may give you other specific instructions.

Answer 2

Generally you will be asked to drink Barium liquid..thick and sometimes flavoured...you will be sat or laid on an xray machine....which will take pictures as you swallow...to check for blockages, flow, etc... If it is a Barium follow through examination you may be asked to keep leaving the xray room for a few mintues at a time and will be asked to come back in when the barium is further through you system. It really depends on what there actually looking for. The upper GI is pretty non invasive...a Barium Enema on the other hand is quite unpleasant....!! Hope they find out what wrong without having to put you through that... Good Luck....L.Butler

Answer 3

An upper GI and small bowel series is a set of x-rays taken to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. X-rays are taken after the patient has swallowed a barium suspension (contrast medium).

Answer 4

You must first fight to keep down the fruit flavored dye they give you. Then you endure the x-rays.

Answer 5

They make you drink a chalky liquid and then they take x-rays. Not much too it really