You can eat and drink normally after the examination.

Barium can occasionally cause constipation, so we recommend that you drink plenty of fluids afterwards.

There will still be some barium retained in the bowel and your motions will appear whitish in colour for a couple of days.

You may need to wait for a few minutes afterwards so we can make sure we have all the necessary information.

The examination is usually complete within 20 minutes, but may take longer.

You may be asked to stand in different positions so the oesophagus and stomach can be viewed from several angles.

The radiographer will take a number of x-rays to watch the barium pass through your oesophagus and into your stomach.

You will be asked to stand next to the x-ray machine and you will then be asked to take mouthfuls of the liquid barium and to swallow it as the x-ray images are taken.

If you are happy to proceed you will be asked to change into a hospital gown. You will be given an opportunity to ask questions.

A radiographer will discuss the procedure with you.You will arrive at Gate 18 -whereby a member of the Imaging team will take you through to the fluoroscopy waiting room.The telephone number for the Imaging Department can be found on the appointment letter. The procedure uses x-rays and the amount of radiation used is small, however if you think you may be pregnant please inform the Imaging Department before attending the appointment. If you are diabetic please ensure your blood sugars are maintained. Diabetic patients to ensure blood sugars are maintained.Ĭontinue to take your normal medication unless otherwise instructed however please inform us if you are allergic to anything. If you need to, you can take small sips of water or clear fluid.

Please do not eat or drink for a minimum of 4 hours before your appointment time. The procedure is carried out by a specialist radiographer. The images are taken as you swallow a white liquid (called barium) passes down into your stomach. The procedure uses a type of x-ray, called fluoroscopy, to view images in real time. These areas of your body cannot normally be seen on x-ray images. It is an examination of the oesophagus (food pipe) and the stomach. We hope the following information will answer some of the questions you may have about this procedure. Your doctor has requested that you have a barium swallow.

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