What is a barium swallow/meal examination?
A barium swallow/meal is a fluoroscopy x-ray examination of the oesophagus (gullet), stomach and upper intestines. As these structures are not seen on plain x-rays barium, is used to highlight them. Your stomach must be empty for this examination to be successful, please follow the instructions on your appointment letter carefully.
The examination will be carried out by a team including a radiologist or specialist radiographer, a radiographer and a nurse. We are a training hospital and a student may also be present during your examination, please inform a member of staff if this is unacceptable. If you are diabetic, please contact us and we will try to arrange an appointment early in the day.
How will the investigation be performed?
Once you have booked in at reception you will be taken to change into a hospital gown. Once in the x-ray room the procedure will be explained and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions. Please inform the radiographer if there is a possibility of pregnancy. You will stand in front of the x-ray camera. You will then be given a teaspoon of granules and a mouthful of lemon flavoured liquid. This will fizz and produce gas in your stomach. This helps us see the structures more clearly. You will then be asked to swallow the barium which is a chalky fluid. As you swallow x-ray images will be taken. The images will be taken with you in different positions, including lying down.
The examination usually takes approximately 15 minutes, very occasionally this examination can take up to 3 hours as images are taken at intervals.
After your examination
Once complete you will be able to go home, you may eat and drink normally. The barium is not digested by the body, therefore your bowel movements may be paler for a few days – this is normal.
You may also become a little constipated, please drink plenty of fluids to avoid this.
Are there any risks?
Everyone receives ionising radiation every day from radioactivity in the air, and food that we eat, and even from space. The amount of radiation you receive from a fluoroscopy test will vary depending on the reason for your test. The main benefit of a fluoroscopy test is making the correct diagnosis, so that you can get the treatment that is right for you. A specialist has agreed the benefits of the examination outweigh the risks from the radiation.
What are the alternatives to barium swallow/ meal?
The main alternative to barium swallow/meal is to have gastroscopy. This is a procedure to look inside your oesophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine. It involves using a narrow, flexible, tube-like telescopic camera called a gastroscope. Sometimes you may have a computed tomography (CT) scan, which uses x-rays to make a three-dimensional image of your gut. Depending on you symptoms you may need to have a combination of tests to get a diagnosis.
Can I bring a relative/friend?
Yes, but for reasons of safety they will not be able to accompany you into the x-ray room, except in special circumstances. Please also be aware that space is limited in our waiting area. We cannot take responsibility for children under the age of 16 while you are having your examination. If necessary we can rearrange your appointment.
Your results
Details of your visit will be given to the consultant that referred you. They will contact you in due course, usually within three weeks.
Useful contact details
To change your appointment telephone 01253 956789
