THE MEDICAL IMAGING EXPERIENCE
INFORMATION FOR THE PATIENT
BARIUM SWALLOW TEST

WHAT IS IT?
A Barium Swallow test is an x-ray procedure to study the passage way between your mouth to your stomach, called the esophagus.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO ME?
The x-ray technologist will assist you to sit on a stool or perhaps stand in front of an x-ray machine. The radiologist (a x-ray physician) will operate the x-ray machine while instructing you to change positions and to take swallows of "barium" from a cup. The barium is a thick white chalky drink similar to a milk shake. Each time you swallow a mouth full of the barium drink, the radiologist will watch the barium flow from your mouth to your stomach on a x-ray screen. Periodically, he will take x-ray pictures of your esophagus outlined by the barium.

HOW LONG WILL THIS TEST TAKE?
The barium swallow test usually takes about 15 - 20 minutes to complete. The technologist may want you to wait in the x-ray room after the test while the x-rays are developed and reviewed by the radiologist.

WHAT WILL I FEEL -- WILL IT HURT?
You may feel a slight pinprick in the vein of your arm when your blood is taken and when the tagged blood is re-injected. You will not feel any effects from the radionuclide injection. When your scan is begun, you will need to lay flat on a table. You will need to lay very still while the scan is being performed so that the best picture can be made. You will not feel any effects from the Gamma Camera. It does not create radiation, it only detects the radiation coming from the injected radionuclide. The Gamma Camera is a large machine that collects the emitted photons from the radionuclide but produces very little sound. The Gamma Camera must be very close to you and will be moved over your body to obtain the pictures. The radiation will totally disappear from your body in about 96 hours (4-5 days). The radiation exposure you receive for the WBC Scan is no more than from a routine x-ray procedure.

WHAT WILL THE TEST SHOW?
The test will show the contour (shape) of the esophagus and demonstrate the ease in which food (barium) moves through the esophagus. If there are any narrowed sections or unusual flow patterns these will be seen.

HOW DO I GET READY?
You will be asked to change into a hospital gown to prevent interference from buttons and snaps, etc. There are no diet restrictions unless another test, such as a stomach x-ray is done at the same time. Following the test you may be given a mild laxative to help clear the barium from your bowels. Stools will be light in color until the barium is completely cleared.

Reviewed: May 2005