Barium Studies
Uses
- You may need to remove your clothing. If so, you will be given a hospital gown.
- You may be given a lead shield or apron to wear over your pelvic area. This protects the area from unnecessary radiation.
- You will stand, sit, or lie down on an x-ray table. You may be asked to change positions during the test.
- The radiologist may take x-rays of your chest and belly first.
- You will swallow a drink that contains barium. The drink is thick and chalky. It's usually flavored with chocolate or strawberry to make it easier to swallow.
- While you swallow, the radiologist will watch images of the barium traveling down your throat to your upper GI tract.
- You may be asked to hold your breath at certain times.
- The images will be recorded so they can be reviewed later.
A barium swallow test involves drinking a chalky-tasting liquid that contains barium. Barium is a substance that coats your internal organs and tissues, so they can be seen more clearly on an x-ray. This can allow your health care provider to find problems and abnormal areas in your GI tract.
