Barium Studies
Upper GI or Swallow Study

Overview

A barium swallow study or an upper GI is a test that requires you/your child to swallow a white liquid that shows up on x-ray. The technician will ask you to swallow the liquid and take a series of pictures that follow the liquid as it travels to the stomach. We are looking for problems with swallowing in the esophagus (the tube that leads from the mouth to the stomach), the windpipe (the upper airway), and the stomach.


Preparation

You/your child cannot eat or drink anything at all 6 hours before the study for children over 1 year of age, and 4 hours before the study for children under 1 year of age.


Where to report

This study will take place in the radiology department at UF Health Shands Hospital. Take the atrium elevators to the ground floor and check in at the radiology front desk.


After the procedure

After swallowing the chalky liquid, bowel movements (poop) may have a chalky and white or light colored appearance. This can last for up to 3 days. This is nothing to be concerned about.


Results

Results will be available 3 days after the test. Please call (352) 273-8381 for these results.