Our ServicesBarium Swallow / Barium Meal

Barium Swallow / Barium Meal
This is an X-ray examination of the food pine (oesophagus), the stomach and the duodenum (the first part of the small bowel). It involves swallowing barium to outline these organs.

Contrast Medium :
Barium, an inert substance is used to outline the GI tract. Barium will not be absorbed by the body and will be excreted through the GI tract.

Indication :
Barium Swallow
Suspected pathology in the oesophagus such as tumour, ulcers, inflammation or foreign body.

Barium Meal
Suspected pathology in stomach and duodenum.

Procedure :
This is a non-invasive procedure. The patient will be instructed to drink barium. A series of X-rays with the patient in different positions will then be taken.

Patient Preparation:
· Adult patient should fast for 12 hours before the examination.
· For paediatric patient under the age of 3 years, omit the last meal.
· Parents should accompany paediatric patients.
· For Diabetic patients, please inform the x-ray staff upon arrival.

After Procedure
· Barium will be passed out through the GI tract. Your faeces may become white in colour.
· Plentiful of fluid intake is recommended to help relieve constipation.