During diagnostic testing, a patient swallows a barium sulfate contrast; fluoroscopy follows its movement through the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. What is this study called?

During diagnostic testing, a patient swallows a barium sulfate contrast; fluoroscopy follows its movement through the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. What is this study called?

• A. Endoscopy
• B. Upper GI Series (Barium Swallow)
• C. Colonoscopy
• D. Sigmoidoscopy

Answer: (B)

This radiographic test uses swallowed barium contrast to outline the upper digestive tract under real-time X-ray (fluoroscopy). By watching the contrast move through the esophagus, stomach, and into the beginning of the small intestine, clinicians can assess anatomy, transit, and functional issues such as strictures, ulcers, motility problems, or obstructions. This study is known as an Upper GI Series, commonly called a barium swallow. It differs from endoscopic procedures, which use a scope to visually inspect the mucosa, and from colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, which examine the lower GI tract.

This radiographic test uses swallowed barium contrast to outline the upper digestive tract under real-time X-ray (fluoroscopy). By watching the contrast move through the esophagus, stomach, and into the beginning of the small intestine, clinicians can assess anatomy, transit, and functional issues such as strictures, ulcers, motility problems, or obstructions. This study is known as an Upper GI Series, commonly called a barium swallow. It differs from endoscopic procedures, which use a scope to visually inspect the mucosa, and from colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, which examine the lower GI tract.