Upper GI series - Definition and Overview

In medicine, an upper GI series consists of a series of X-ray images of the esophagus and stomach (the upper gastrointestinal, or GI, tract). The X-rays are taken after the patient drinks a contrast agent, typically a thick, chalky liquid containing a barium salt. (This test is sometimes called a barium swallow.) The barium outlines the stomach on the X-rays, helping the doctor find tumors or other abnormal areas. During the test, the doctor may pump air into the stomach to make features such as small tumors easier to see.