GI Series

What is a GI series?

A GI or gastrointestinal series is an X-ray exam of the esophagus, stomach, and sometimes the small intestine that requires you to drink a liquid called barium.

How do I prepare for this exam?

It is important that you do not eat or drink anything from the midnight the night before your exam. Also, do not eat or drink in the morning of your exam. If your stomach is not empty, the study will not be satisfactory, and will have to be postponed.

What will happen in the X-ray room?

A radiologist and a technologist will be present. You will be asked to swallow a mildly flavored barium drink. The barium mixture fills your stomach and small intestine so that they can be seen on X-rays. The radiologist will watch this on a special X-ray television screen. Periodically, the radiologist will ask you to change your position or hold your breath so that "snapshots" or spot films can be taken.