Barium Swallow Test
A barium swallow is an imaging test that checks for problems in your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including your mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine. You drink a liquid containing barium, which coats your organs so they show up clearly on x-rays. The test uses a special x-ray called fluoroscopy to show your organs moving in real time.
What this test measures
A barium swallow measures the size, shape, and movement of your upper GI tract to find problems such as ulcers, GERD, hiatal hernia, structural problems like polyps and diverticula, and tumors.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Frequently asked questions
What is a barium swallow test?
A barium swallow is an imaging test that checks for problems in your upper GI tract, including your mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
How is a barium swallow performed?
You drink a chalky-tasting liquid that contains barium, then x-rays are taken using fluoroscopy to see your organs in real time.
What conditions can a barium swallow help diagnose?
It can help diagnose ulcers, GERD, hiatal hernia, structural problems like polyps and diverticula, and tumors.
What does a normal result mean?
A normal result means no abnormalities in size, shape, and movement were found in your upper GI tract.
What does an abnormal result mean?
An abnormal result may mean you have a condition such as hiatal hernia, ulcers, tumors, polyps, diverticula, or esophageal stricture.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Barium Swallow — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.