An upper GI (gastrointestinal) series is an x-ray examination of your esophagus, stomach and part of your small intestine. It is used to detect ulcers, obstructions, hiatal hernias, tumors, polyps, inflammation, and other disorders of the upper digestive tract. The stomach must be empty for this procedure.

What to Expect

For the upper GI series, you will lie on a table for an initial film of your abdomen. Then you will be asked to swallow baking soda crystals and drink a cup of barium. The crystals create gas in your stomach to improve visibility. Several x-rays will be taken while you are standing and lying in different positions. After examining these films, the radiologist may request additional x-ray views.

In addition to the upper GI, your physician may order a small bowel series. When the upper GI series is completed, you will be escorted to the waiting area while the barium travels through the small intestine. X-rays will be taken every 15-30 minutes until the barium has gone through the entire small intestine.

It is important to drink extra liquids to flush the barium from your system. Barium may color your stools gray to white for up to 3 days after the procedure.

A radiologist will interpret your exam and a report will be sent to your physician, who will discuss the results with you.

Preparing for Your Upper GI Series

When scheduling your appointment, you will be given detailed instructions on how to prepare for your exam. The stomach must be empty to obtain good quality images.

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day before your exam.
• Do not smoke or chew gum. These can increase stomach secretions affecting image quality.
• The upper GI procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. Additional time of 30 minutes to several hours is required to complete a small bowel series.
• Inform your physician or x-ray technologist if you are or may be pregnant. Please register 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
• Please bring a complete list of your medications, vitamins and supplements to your appointment.
• Please bring the physician order to your appointment.

Scheduling an Appointment

An upper GI series is performed by appointment only. You can schedule an appointment by calling Lake Health’s Centralized Scheduling Department at 1-866-652-5253.
If you are unable to keep the appointment, please call us to cancel or reschedule.