Small Bowel/Barium Swallow/UGI

Overview-
These tests show images of the upper intestinal system.

Preparation-
You cannot eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before your test.

Length of exam-
Each test takes about 30 to 45 minutes to perform. The small bowel can take up to 3 hours to complete depending upon the speed the barium moves through the small intestine.

How is the exam performed?
You will be asked to slip on a gown and get on the xray table. The radiologist and technologist will give you a type of barium mixture and other barium products to image your upper intestinal system. Images will be taken in several positions to adequately images portions of your stomach and small bowel.

Results-
Please contact your physician for the results of your test. The results will be available within a couple of days.

This page is intended for education purposes only. This should not replace medical advice from your physician. Please call your physician if you have medical questions concerning your health. For any questions about the procedure, please contact the radiology department.