Barium

Meal

Introduction
We hope that this information will help you to understand a little more about this procedure. If
you have any further questions, please dont hesitate to ask the nursing or medical staff. They will
be happy to help you.
What is a barium meal?
A barium meal is an examination using an x-ray machine to look at your stomach, the passage
between your mouth and your stomach (the oesophagus) and the first part of your small bowel
(duodenum). You will be given a special barium meal or drink to help make the pictures show up
clearly.
What must I do in preparation?
On the day before your appointment you should keep to a light diet. This means avoiding foods
which contain a lot of fibre, such as fresh fruit, salads, vegetables and bran.
It is important that your stomach is completely empty for this examination. Please do not have
anything to eat or drink for 6 hours before your appointment time.
What if I am diabetic?
We try to give people with diabetes an appointment time that causes minimum disruption to their
normal meals. However, we do not always know if someone is diabetic when we send out their
appointment. If you are diabetic and would like to alter your appointment time please contact the
X-Ray Department. The telephone number is at the end of this leaflet.
Can I continue with my tablets?
Please bring any tablets you normally take in the morning with you, so that you can take them
immediately after the examination instead. However, if you have been given an afternoon
appointment, please make sure that you take any morning tablets by 8am. Bring any tablets you
normally take in the middle of the day with you, so that you can take them after the examination.
If you have any worries at all please contact your GP.
Can I bring someone with me?
A relative, partner or close friend is welcome to accompany you to your examination.
What happens when I arrive?
When you arrive at main reception in the x-ray department, you will be greeted by one of our
receptionists. Your personal details, such as your name, address and date of birth will be checked
on our computer. If any of the details we have are incorrect please let us know. You will then be
asked to take a seat in the waiting area.
You will be collected from the waiting room and shown to a cubicle where you will be asked to
undress in private. A gown will be provided. If you need any assistance, please ask. (We suggest
that you remove spectacles and all items of jewellery, except rings, to save them from being

damaged when we ask you to turn over on the x-ray table.)

From the cubicle you will be collected and taken to the x-ray room where the examination is to be
performed. We will do this as soon as possible. However, occasionally the patient before you can
take longer to examine than expected. If this happens, please bear with us, you will not have been
forgotten.
In the x-ray room you will meet a team of x-ray staff, including a Radiologist (x-ray doctor), a
Radiographer (a qualified x-ray technician) and sometimes a nurse. They will be pleased to
answer any questions you may have before starting the examination.
What is involved?
For this examination you will be given some barium (a fruit-flavoured liquid) to drink. This will
help the stomach to show up on the x-ray. You may also be given some fizzy granules to
swallow. These will help to improve the quality of the x-ray pictures.
The Radiologist usually gives you an injection in your arm. This relaxes your gullet (the passage
between your mouth and stomach) and stops it moving whilst the pictures are taken. Some people
also find that this injection relaxes the muscles in their eyes. If this happens, all you will notice is
a slight blurring of your vision for 15 to 30 minutes. However, this may cause problems for some
people with certain types of Glaucoma. If you suffer from Glaucoma, please inform a member
of staff before the examination.
You will normally be given the barium meal to drink whilst you are standing up, and then you
may be asked to lie down on the x-ray table while pictures are taken from several different
angles.
Every time a picture is taken you will be asked to hold your breath, but you should not find this
difficult.
You should not feel any pain during the examination. However, the gas in your stomach may
make you feel bloated, as if you have a lot of wind. If you do find the examination uncomfortable
for any reason, please tell a member of staff.
Are there any after effects?
Your normal bowel pattern may change for a day or two after the examination. Some people find
the barium difficult to pass. This will be helped by drinking plenty of fluids.
If your eyes have been affected by the injection, we suggest that you do not drive for about 30
minutes. Otherwise, this procedure will not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Children having a barium meal
The preparation for children having a barium meal is similar to that for an adult. Parents will be
able to stay with their child at all times
How do I get the results?
You will not be given the results of your barium meal before you go home. Although the pictures
are checked before you leave, the Radiologist will need to study them thoroughly before making
a report. The report will be sent to the doctor who requested the examination. If you were sent by
your GP, then you can make an appointment to see them for the result in about ten days time. If
you were sent by a hospital specialist, the results will be sent to them and they will contact you. If

you already have an outpatient appointment booked, you should keep this.
What are the risks of radiation?
With modern x-ray equipment, the radiation dose given is minimal and there are very strict
working practices by which we are legally obliged to abide. The staff working in this department
are constantly monitored and checked, as well as the equipment.
Please be assured that we give the lowest radiation dose possible, and you are far more likely to
benefit from this x-ray than suffer any harm. However, if there is any possibility that you may be
pregnant, please inform the x-ray department before you come for your appointment (see contact
details at the end of this leaflet).

Typical effective
dose (mSv)

Radiation dose
Equivalent number of
Approximate equivalent of natural background
chest x-rays
radiation

100

1 year

If you have any questions

Please do not hesitate to ask any questions either before, during or after the examination. You can
ask a member of staff or call us on the following numbers:

Principles of Barium meal

A barium meal is a diagnostic test used to detect abnormalities of the esophagus, stomach and
small bowel using X-ray imaging. X-rays can only highlight bone and other radio-opaque tissues
and would not usually enable visualization of soft tissue. However, infusion of the contrast
medium barium sulfate, a radioopaque salt, coats the lining of the digestive tract, allowing
accurate X-ray imaging of this part of the abdomen.
The images produced are fluoroscopic and can be viewed in real-time as well as on plates.

Who can perform a Barium meal test?

A barium meal can be performed by a radiologist (or radiographer) who has specialist skills in
imaging studies and works as a healthcare professional to diagnose and treat illness.

Procedure
Before a barium meal test is performed, the duodenum needs to be empty to allow clear
visualization of structures. A patient may be given a laxative the night before the procedure to
ensure the small bowel is empty at the time of the test, which is usually performed on an empty
stomach.

The patient is first asked to change into a hospital gown and remove all jewellery, dentures,
glasses, metal objects and clothing as these items can interfere with imaging.
First, some fizzy granules, called carbex granules are given to the patient to create gas and
expand the stomach for clearer viewing. Next, the barium contrast liquid is given to the patient to
drink.
Some initial images are taken to check that the barium has passed through the esophagus, and
into the stomach and small bowel. The radiographer then takes a series of X-ray images over
time as the barium contrast moves through the digestive system. This may mean images are
taken over anywhere between 1 and 4 hours. Once the barium contrast has passed through to the
large bowel or the colon, more pictures are taken. The whole test may take around 5 hours.

Why is this procedure performed?

Barium meal examination is usually performed to help diagnose various diseases or disorders of
the digestive system. These include constrictions, hernias, obstructions or masses in the
esophagus or stomach, and inflammatory or other diseases of the intestines.

Risks
Exposure to X-rays carries a similar risk as exposure to ionizing radiation. However, the amount
of radiation a person is exposed to during an X-ray is is very low and risks are minimal. There
are no risks associated with the barium liquid because it is not absorbed by the body.
Some patients, however, are at risk of breathing in or aspirating the barium. X-rays are also
harmful to unborn babies and should be avoided by women who are or may be pregnant. Women
are asked details of the dates of their last menstruation to ensure the test is performed while the
risk of pregnancy is at its lowest.

After the test

Some patients may feel abdominal bloating after a barium meal test and the test may also lead to
constipation. Patients are therefore advised to drink plenty of fluid and eat plenty of fruit and
vegetables. Mild laxatives may also help. Stools may be pale or whitish for a few days after the
test.

Barium swallow and barium meal

What is a barium swallow and barium meal?
A barium swallow and meal is a special X-ray test used to examine your throat, oesophagus and
stomach.

The gut does not show up well on plain X-rays. However, if the gut wall is coated with barium, a
white liquid which shows up on X-rays, it makes it possible to examine the gut.
Sometimes the barium may be substituted with gastrograffin. Ask your doctor or radiographer
for details.
If the stomach is being examined its called having a barium meal. If the oesophagus is examined
at the same time, then its called having a barium swallow and meal.
A barium swallow and meal test can help check the oesophagus and stomach for signs of ulcers,
inflammation, obstruction or cancer. The examination is routinely done as an out-patient
procedure in the imaging or radiology department.
About the procedure
The test usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. You will be taken to the X-ray room where you will be
asked to drink a white liquid containing barium. The liquid is usually mildly fruit flavoured and
you will be asked to sip one or two mouthfuls at a time.
Your radiographer will help position your body in front of an X-ray camera, often with you
standing on a small step of an upright X-ray table. You may then be asked to swallow a dessert
spoon of granules followed by a dessert spoon of liquid. This will temporarily expand your
stomach, making it easier to see the stomach wall on
X-rays
You may be given an injection of a muscle relaxant to help relax the muscles of the stomach wall
and stop the stomach from moving. Images of your oesophagus will be displayed on a TV
screen. Once the oesophagus has been studied and X-rays taken, the table will slowly tilt, so that
you are lying down. Then more pictures will be taken.
At certain points during the process you may be asked to hold your breath for a couple of
seconds. You may also be asked to swallow whilst lying down.
Afterwards, you may feel bloated for a short while. You may also feel constipated for a few days
and may need to take mild laxatives. Muscle relaxants can temporarily blur your eyesight. Vision
should improve after 30 minutes.
Barium swallow and meal is commonly performed and generally safe. However, all medical
procedures carry risks as well as benefits.
You will be exposed to some X-ray radiation. The level of exposure is about the same as you
would receive naturally from the environment over 12 to 18 months. Pregnant women are
advised not to have X-rays as theres a risk the radiation may cause some damage to the unborn
child.

Its possible to have an allergic reaction to the flavouring added to some barium brands medicines are available to treat any allergic reaction.
The exact risks differ for every person - ask your doctor to explain how any risks apply to you
Volume dan konsentrasi ea 'za ' HD yang akan diberikan akan tergantung pada derajat dan
tingkat kontras yang diperlukan di daerah (s) di bawah pemeriksaan dan pada peralatan dan
teknik yang digunakan.
Mencampur Petunjuk untuk Cat. No 764:
Akurat mengukur 65 mL air (gelas ukur Cat. No 763 dapat digunakan.) Tambahkan air ke botol
EZ-HD dan mengganti tutup aman. Balikkan botol dan tekan dengan jari untuk mencampur
kontras dengan air. Kocok keras selama 30 detik. Tunggu 5 menit, kemudian reshake secara
menyeluruh. Untuk menggunakan dengan jerami (Item No 841), menghapus label perekat di atas
topi. Lepaskan topi dan gunakan sedotan untuk mendorong keluar liner topi. Ganti tutup.
Khas dosis dewasa:
65 mL sampai 135 mL.
Yield:
Setelah dilarutkan dengan 65 ml air, menghasilkan 135 mL suspensi, 85% b / b, 250% b / v
MRI Catatan Teknis:
Jika pasien dijadwalkan untuk studi MR segera atau segera setelah prosedur GI atas dengan
produk ini, daerah saluran pencernaan yang masih mengandung produk ini mungkin muncul
sebagai daerah intensitas sinyal menurunkan (hitam) dengan urutan pulsa tertentu.

Barium meal
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about a radiography method. For the espionage technique, see canary trap.

X-ray of the stomach with both positive (barium sulphate) and negative (CO2) radiocontrast.

A barium meal, also known as an upper gastrointestinal series is a procedure in which

radiographs of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum are taken after barium sulfate is ingested
by a patient. Barium meals are useful in the diagnosis of structural and motility abnormalities of
the foregut.
The gastrointestinal tract, like other soft-tissue structures, does not show clearly enough for
diagnostic purposes on plain radiographs. Barium salts are radioopaque: they show clearly on a
radiograph. If barium is swallowed before radiographs are taken, the barium within the
oesophagus, stomach or duodenum shows the shape of the lumina of these organs.
Liquid suspensions of barium sulfate are non-toxic, apart from a small risk of producing a
disturbance in bowel function for 48 hours after ingestion. They usually have a chalky taste that
can be disguised by adding flavours.[1]
A barium meal usually takes less than an hour. The patient ingests gas pellets and citric acid to
expand the stomach. Then about 3 cups (about 709 ml) of barium is ingested. The patient may
move or roll over to coat the stomach and oesophagus in barium. A needle may also be used to
relax the muscle between the stomach and the duodenum. Following these preparations, an x-ray
is taken.
There are two varieties of barium meal: single and double contrast meals. A single contrast meal
uses only barium, a radioopaque (or positive) contrast medium, to image the upper
gastrointestinal tract. A double contrast meal uses barium as well as a radiolucent (or negative)
contrast medium such as air, nitrogen, or carbon dioxide. The double contrast meal is more
useful as a diagnostic test, demonstrating mucosal details and allowing the detection of small
mucosal lesions such as diverticula or polyps.
The radiation dose from a barium meal X-ray is around 2.5 millisieverts (250 mrem).[2]

The diagnostic usage of barium studies has declined in recent years with the increasing use of the
practice of oesophagogastroduodenoscopy, which allows direct visual inspection of suspicious
areas within the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum.

About barium swallow and meal

A barium swallow and meal is a type of X-ray test that will allow your doctor to examine your
throat, oesophagus (the pipe that goes from your mouth to your stomach), stomach and the first
part of your bowel, called the duodenum.
X-rays usually pass straight through parts of the gut such as your oesophagus, stomach and
bowel and so these structures don't show up well on plain X-ray images. However, if your gut
wall is coated with barium, the outline of your gut shows up clearly on X-ray images.
If your stomach is being examined, the test is called a barium meal. If your oesophagus is
examined at the same time, it's called a barium swallow and meal.
The test is often done as an outpatient procedure in a hospital's imaging or radiology department.
Its usually carried out by a radiologist (a doctor who specialises in using imaging methods to
diagnose medical conditions). A radiographer (a health professional trained to perform imaging
procedures) will also be present.
A barium swallow and meal test can give your doctor information about your swallowing action,
and can pick up patches of irritation such as ulcers, abnormal growths, narrowing or a blockage.

What are the alternatives to barium swallow and meal?

The main alternative to a barium swallow and meal is to have a gastroscopy. A gastroscopy is a
procedure used to look inside your oesophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine
(duodenum) using a narrow, flexible, tube-like telescopic camera called a gastroscope.
Sometimes you may have a CT scan, which uses X-rays to make a three-dimensional image of
your gut.
You may need to have a combination of tests to get a diagnosis. Your doctor will explain your
options to you.

Preparing for a barium swallow and meal

Your radiographer will explain how to prepare for your examination.
Your stomach and small bowel need to be empty for the test so that the barium can coat every
part of your stomach and bowel lining. To achieve this, you will be asked not to eat or drink
anything typically for four hours before your test.

It's important to follow the fasting instructions from your hospital carefully. If your stomach or
small bowel isn't completely empty, the images from the test will be incomplete and you may
need to have the test again.
You should tell your radiographer about any medicines you're taking and if you have any
allergies, glaucoma or heart disease. If you usually take medicines in the morning, dont have
your morning dose but take your medicines to hospital and let your radiologist know. If you have
any questions about your medicines, contact the radiography department at your hospital or ask
your doctor.
If you're a woman of childbearing age, you will be asked if you're pregnant. A barium swallow
and meal isn't recommended for pregnant women, unless there is an urgent medical reason. Its
important to tell your radiographer if you could be pregnant.
Your radiographer will discuss with you what will happen before, during and after your
procedure, and any pain you might have. This is your opportunity to understand what will
happen, and you can help yourself by preparing questions to ask about the risks, benefits and any
alternatives to the procedure. This will help you to be informed, so you can give your consent for
the procedure to go ahead, which you may be asked to do by signing a consent form.
If you take tablets or insulin for diabetes, you will be given some specific advice about what to
do before the test. Make sure you have enough to eat on the day before your appointment to
prevent low blood sugar, and follow the advice given by your hospital.

What happens during a barium swallow and meal

The test usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, but you will probably be in the radiology department for
about 30 minutes.
In a private cubicle, you will be asked to remove your clothing and put on a hospital gown. You
will be taken to the X-ray room where you will be asked to drink some white liquid that contains
barium. The liquid tastes chalky and may be mildly fruit-flavoured and you will be asked to sip
one or two mouthfuls at a time. You will need to hold a mouthful of barium and swallow when
your doctor or radiographer asks you to.
Your radiographer will help position you in front of an X-ray camera, often with you standing on
a small step of an upright X-ray table.
You may then be asked to swallow a dessertspoon of granules followed by a dessertspoon of
liquid. The granules will dissolve in your stomach and produce carbon dioxide gas, which will
help your radiographer to take clear X-ray images of your stomach wall. You may also be given
an injection of a muscle relaxant to help relax the muscles of your stomach wall and stop your
stomach from moving.
Images of your oesophagus will be displayed on a monitor. Your radiographer will take several
X-ray images, or a moving series of images, with you in different positions. The X-ray table will

then slowly tilt until youre in a horizontal position and your radiographer will take some more
images.
At certain points during the test you may be asked to hold your breath for a couple of seconds.
You may also be asked to swallow while lying down.

What to expect afterwards

You will usually be able to go home when you feel ready.
If you were given a muscle relaxant, wait at least 30 minutes before driving.
Once home, drink clear fluids regularly and try to eat vegetables, fruit and foods high in fibre.
This will help to maintain regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.
A report will be sent to the doctor who requested your test. This can take two weeks to reach
your doctor.

What are the risks?

As with every procedure, there are some risks associated with a barium swallow and meal. We
have not included the chance of these happening as they are specific to you and differ for every
person. Ask your radiographer or radiologist to explain how these risks apply to you.
You will be exposed to some X-ray radiation. In all X-ray examinations, the amount of radiation
is kept to the absolute minimum that is necessary. Depending on whether you have just a barium
swallow or a barium swallow and meal, the level of exposure is about the same as you would
receive naturally from the environment over 12 to 18 months.
If youre pregnant

Pregnant women are generally advised not to have X-ray tests of their abdomen as there is a risk
the radiation may cause some damage to their unborn child. If you could be pregnant, its
important to tell your doctor or radiographer.
Side-effects

Side-effects are the unwanted but mostly temporary effects you may get after having the
procedure.
After having a barium swallow or meal you may feel bloated for a short while. You may also
feel constipated for a few days and need to take a mild laxative.

The muscle relaxant commonly used for this test can temporarily blur your eyesight, give you a
dry mouth and make it harder than usual to pass urine, and/or make you need to go more
urgently.
Complications

Complications are when problems occur during or after the procedure.

It's possible to have an allergic reaction to the flavouring added to some barium brands. If you
have any itching or difficulty breathing, tell your radiographer immediately. Medicines are
available to treat an allergic reaction.