Upper GI Series with Barium Swallow images which parts of the digestive tract?

• A. The small intestine
• B. The colon
• C. The esophagus, stomach, and duodenum
• D. The liver and gallbladder

Answer: (C)

An upper GI series with a barium swallow is used to visualize the upper part of the digestive tract. The contrast coats the mucosa, so you can clearly see the inner contours and movement of the esophagus, stomach, and the first portion of the small intestine—the duodenum. This is why the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum are the structures evaluated. The colon lies downstream and is typically examined with a barium enema, not an upper GI series. The liver and gallbladder require different imaging tests, such as ultrasound or a hepatobiliary scan.