In what order is a GI series done on the same patient?

Question

When using Barium, is the lower GI enema done before the upper GI test or is the upper done first. What is the rationale behind this order?

Answer 1

I don't know where Janene1242 got her info, but that is incorrect. The barium swallowed during an upper GI series may take several days to pass through the intestine and can interfere with the results of a barium enema. BE is done before UGI.

Answer 2

Upper would be done prior to the lower. Logic is because the body will digest the barium-filled food/drink that the patient consumes and it will filter down the intestines highlighting the entire GI tract along the way. The reason a lower will still be done is because quite a bit of the barium will dissipate during the digestive act and performing the lower GI will compensate for highlighting the remainder of the tract.