Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Series

• A gastrointestinal (GI) motility study may be done if the squeezing motions of the small intestine are not normal during the UGI series and small bowel follow-through. The movement of the barium through the lower intestinal tract is recorded every few hours for up to 24 hours. A Reference barium enema Opens New Window or Reference colonoscopy Opens New Window may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
• Upper endoscopy is done instead of a UGI test in certain cases. Endoscopy uses a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) to look at the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine (duodenum). For more information, see the medical test Reference Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
• The UGI series test:
  • May not show irritation of the stomach lining (gastritis) or esophagus (esophagitis) or ulcers that are smaller than about 0.25 in. (6 mm) in diameter.
  • Cannot show an infection with the bacteria Reference Helicobacter pylori Opens New Window, which may be a cause of stomach ulcers.
• A Reference biopsy Opens New Window cannot be done during the UGI if a problem is found.

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