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Barium meal and swallow

What is a barium meal and swallow ?

• Afterwards
• Preparation
• If you can't make it
• Questions / further information

What is a barium meal and swallow ?

Drinking a barium milkshake

It is an x-ray examination of the oesophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine using a contrast medium. This contrast medium is a liquid called barium, which tastes like a thick, slightly chalky milk shake but can be flavoured to taste like chocolate or strawberry. The examination is performed while your child is drinking the barium mixture and uses x-rays to form pictures. X-ray pictures are taken at various intervals.
Your child must remain still throughout the examination and may need to be held.
Examination time is usually 10-20 minutes but can vary due to the complexity of the case. 

The Fluoroscopy camera will move around your child at different times and will come quite close to your child but it will not touch them. 

If the entire bowel is to be examined as part of this test (small bowel follow through examination) the whole test may take several hours for the barium to reach the end of the bowel.
Parents are encouraged to stay with their child during the test, but the mother should not stay in the room if there is a chance that she may be pregnant.
An official x-ray examination report will be sent to your referring doctor usually within a few days.

Afterwards

There are no immediate after effects. For the next day or two the bowel motions may appear white because of the barium. Give lots of fluids to avoid constipation.

Preparation

Reassuring cuddles after fluoroscopy

All Patients :

• Do not eat or drink four hours before appointment.
• Babies may be breast fed, 3 hours prior to a barium meal.
• To assist your child's visit to the Medical Imaging Department you may wish to bring your child's favourite toy or book.
• A video is an excellent idea if a small study is to be completed.

 

If you can't make it

If you cannot keep your appointment, please ring 9345 5255 as we can use this time for another child.
Questions / further information

For further information please do not hesitate to contact the Medical Imaging staff on 9345 5255.