Upper GI and small bowel series

Alternative names:

barium swallow X-ray; GI series; upper GI series

What the risks are:

There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the X-ray.

If the barium is not passed through the system in 2 or 3 days, notify the health care provider because it can cause a bowel obstruction.

Special considerations:

This X-ray should be performed after other X-ray procedures are finished, because the barium that is retained will cloud the details on other films.