Upper gi how long

It's used to find narrow spots or blockages in the upper intestinal tract. The test can also find ulcers, polyps, and pyloric stenosis. You may have to eat a low-fibre diet for a few days before the test, stop eating for 12 hours before the test, or both. You may also need to take a laxative to help clean out your intestines the evening before the test and stop taking certain medicines. The test will take about 30 to 40 minutes. If you are also having a small bowel study, the test will take 2 to 6 hours.

Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:. Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if:. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to keep a list of the medicines you take. Ask your doctor when you can expect to have your test results. Author: Healthwise Staff.

Medical Review: E. Gabica MD - Family Medicine. You will then lie on the x-ray table, and the radiologist will watch the barium move through your GI tract on the x-ray and fluoroscopy. The technician may press on your abdomen or ask you to change position several times to evenly coat your upper GI tract with the barium.

If you are having a double-contrast study, you will swallow gas-forming crystals that mix with the barium coating your stomach. Gas forms when the crystals and barium mix. The gas expands your stomach, which lets the radiologist see more details of your upper GI tract lining. The technician will then take additional x-rays. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public.

Why do doctors use upper GI series? How do I prepare for an upper GI series? Drink extra fluids for 12 to 24 hours after the study. If the constipation continues, talk with your doctor. You will be directed where to go when you check-in. If you have any questions you can contact Advanced Biomedical Imaging Radiology at Get directions and see a campus map of National Jewish Health. This information has been approved by Will Cook, R. Masks are required for all patients, visitors, employees and staff.

Thank you. Make an Appointment. Wear clothing that you can remove from the waist up. It's also important to inform the technician or the doctor if your child had an X-ray exam using barium contrast material in the days prior to the upper GI series, or if your child took antidiarrheal or stomach-upset medicine containing bismuth subsalicylate, as this can interfere with the image. Also, make sure to tell the technician of any allergies your child has, as the barium sulfate may contain soy derivatives.

The procedure can take minutes, although actual exposure to radiation is usually only a couple of minutes or less. Your child will be asked to enter a special room that will most likely contain a table and a large X-ray machine hanging from the ceiling or wall. Parents usually are able to accompany their child to provide reassurance.

If you stay in the room while the upper GI series is being done, you'll be asked to wear a lead apron to protect certain parts of your body. Your child's reproductive organs also will be protected as much as possible with a lead shield. The technician will position your child on the table and an X-ray will be taken of the stomach with nothing in it. The radiologist a doctor who is specially trained in reading and interpreting X-ray images will perform the test as your child drinks barium sulfate.

This liquid looks like a light-colored milkshake and is often flavored for toddlers and young kids. It can be offered in a bottle or a cup with a straw. Occasionally, if the child can't drink the liquid, it can be given through a small plastic tube or syringe. The radiologist or technician may move your child on the table to help ensure that the barium coats the esophagus and stomach.

As your child swallows and the barium moves through the GI tract, its path can be seen on a monitor. At some points, still images will be taken, during which older kids may be asked to hold their breath and stay still for seconds; infants may require gentle restraint.