Upper GI

An Upper GI Series is an X-ray exam of your upper digestive tract, the area from your mouth to the start of your small intestine or duodenum.

An upper GI series uses a special form of X-ray called fluoroscopy, which provides a view of how your GI tract looks and functions. The exam also uses a contrast material called barium to improve the X-ray images.

An upper GI exam helps to assess overall digestive function and detect:

• Ulcers
• Tumors
• Inflammation of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum
• Hiatal hernias
• Scarring
• Blockages
• Abnormalities of the muscular wall of gastrointestinal tissues

The procedure may help diagnose various symptoms, including:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Chest and abdominal pain
• Reflux (a backward flow of partially digested food and digestive juices)
• Unexplained vomiting
• Severe indigestion
• Blood in the stool (indicating internal GI bleeding)

More Info

• What to expect (Download the Upper GI Series form) [link to Upper GI Series patient form in Word/PDF)
• How the test is performed
• How to prepare for the test
• How the test will feel
• Why the test is performed
• What abnormal results mean

The Patient Order Form is needed for all outpatient exams.