Upper GI Series

If your child has been scheduled for an upper GI series, it means their doctor would like a closer look at their esophagus, stomach, and the part of the small intestine immediately beyond the stomach, called the duodenum. 

What is an upper GI series? 

An upper GI series captures a real-time, moving image of your child swallowing and digesting. To make this image we use a special X-ray machine called a fluoroscope. We will ask your child to drink a liquid contrast agent (barium) to make their digestive system visible on the image. 

How is upper GI series used by doctors? 

The exam provides important information about the way your child's gut works. It can help doctors diagnose a problem and decide on a treatment plan.   

How can I help my child prepare for the exam? 

• On the day of the exam your child should wear comfortable clothes. 
• Let your child know that you will be with them for the whole exam.  
• Have your child bring a favorite toy or comforting object with them to their appointment. 
• If you have copies of prior exams, please bring them with you.  
• Please make childcare arrangements for siblings as they will not be allowed into the exam room. 
• If you are pregnant, you will not be allowed in the room during the exam and may wish to have someone else be with your child. 

Your child’s stomach should be empty so that we can obtain the clearest, most useful images: 

• If your child is under six months do not feed them anything within two hours of the exam. 
• If your child is over six months do not feed them anything for four hours before the exam. 

What will happen during the exam? 

• Check in for your child’s appointment on the Connect patient portal. You may also check in when you arrive at the imaging center.  
• When you arrive for your appointment, your child will be asked to change into a gown.  
• You will be allowed to accompany your child to the exam room. We will ask you to wear a lead apron to protect you from unnecessary exposure to radiation. 
• A technologist will bring you and your child to the exam room and explain the procedure. You will also meet the radiologist who will be taking the pictures. 
• We will ask your child to lie on a table below the fluoroscope.  
• We will then ask them to swallow a contrast liquid from a bottle or cup. As the contrast passes from the mouth to the stomach to the small intestine, the radiologist will take pictures of the organs from different angles.  
• We will ask your child to move to different positions to help us get the right images.  
• The exam takes between 5 to 30 minutes, depending on how quickly the contrast passes through your child’s system. 

Are there any risks? 

This is an X-ray based exam and your child will be exposed to minimal doses of radiation. We adjust the dose of radiation to the size of your child. The risk is small compared to the benefit of an accurate diagnosis. 

After the exam 

Your child can immediately resume normal activities after their exam. Barium contrast may cause constipation, so it's important to have them drink extra fluid after the exam. Your child’s first bowel movement may be white or gray because of the barium. A radiologist will analyze the images and share the results with the doctor who requested the exam. Your child’s doctor will discuss the results with you.