Upper GI

An upper GI (gastrointestinal series) targets the esophagus, stomach and duodenum.

Your physician must order and schedule this procedure with the Diagnostic Imaging Department.

A special preparation is required prior to this procedure.

You will be asked to undress and wear a hospital gown during the procedure. Please take all valuables, such as your wallet or purse with you into the x-ray room.

The procedure takes approximately 10-15 minutes. The test is not painful, but may make you feel uncomfortable.

A technologist will assist you in getting ready for the procedure. While standing upright, you will be given a glass of contrast medium to drink (this is a flavored mixture of barium sulfate and water). You will be asked to drink one to two mouthfuls of this drink. You may also be given effervescent crystals along with the barium. This produces gas is the stomach for better evaluation. The radiologist will then observe the flow of barium through your esophagus to your stomach.

Next, you will be asked to drink the remainder of the contrast medium. While you are drinking this, the radiologist will observe the filling of your stomach. Films are taken while you are standing upright and while you are lying down on the x-ray table. After the fluoroscopy exam, diagnostic x-rays may also be taken.

Barium is the type of contrast used for this procedure. It flows just like water, and shows up on the x-ray like a dye. Barium is inert and is not absorbed by the body, and therefore creates no side effects.

Your physician will get your report on the same day of your examination.

Results must be given to the patient by their physician.