PLEASE REFERENCE UGI SECTION FOR AN EXPLANATION OF UGI EXAMINATION, COMMON USES OF THE PROCEDURE AND WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE EXAM
Children usually drink barium contrast material without any objection. If a child will not drink the contrast, the radiologist may need to pass a small tube into the stomach to complete the examination.
Very young children may be placed on a special rotating platform to help turn them into slanted positions. This allows the radiologist to see all of the organs. Older children will be asked to hold very still and may be asked to hold their breath for a few seconds while the x-ray pictures are taken. Older children may undergo a double-contrast upper GI series, where the child will swallow baking-soda crystals that create gas in the stomach while additional x-rays are taken.
Special care is taken during x-ray examinations to use the lowest radiation dose possible while producing the best images for evaluation. National and international radiology protection organizations continually review and update the technique standards used by radiology professionals.
Modern x-ray systems have very controlled x-ray beams and dose control methods to minimize stray radiation, ensuring minimal radiation exposure.
