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Upper gastrointestinal (GI) barium tests are used to help diagnose disorders of the upper and middle portion of the GI (digestive) tract (e.g., esophagus, stomach and duodenum). During these painless tests, a patient drinks white liquid called barium, which coats the digestive tract.
These areas are then highlighted during x-rays to help diagnose the cause of a number of GI symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain and vomiting. Upper GI barium tests can help reveal blockages, irregular growths, ulcers and other potential abnormalities.
There are several different types of upper GI barium tests. They include:
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Barium swallow. Also called a barium x-ray or upper GI series, it involves a liquid barium x-ray of the stomach along with the esophagus, duodenum or both.
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Modified barium swallow. Refers to liquid barium testing of the uppermost parts of the digestive tract including the mouth, pharynx (passageway that connects the mouth and nose to the lungs and stomach) and esophagus.
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Barium meal. Also known as a barium beefsteak meal, it refers to a test in which the patient digests food containing barium. The test determines whether the stomach can adequately process food.
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Small-bowel series. This term refers to a liquid barium x-ray of the small intestine. Upper GI barium tests may be administered in a physician’s office or the radiology department of a hospital. The images captured during these tests are read and interpreted by a radiologist, who offers an analysis to the patient’s physician. Results are typically ready within a week of the procedure. If abnormalities are discovered, follow-up procedures or treatments may be scheduled. | 
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