What are the risks of an upper GI series?
Any x-ray test procedure involves some risk of radiation exposure. The radiation exposure is minimized by standard techniques that have been assigned and approved by national and international radiology committees and councils. Radiology technicians are certified by national certifying boards. Patients who are or may be pregnant should notify the requesting practitioner and radiology staff, as there is potential risk of harm to the fetus with any radiation exposure. How does a patient prepare for an upper GI series, and how is it performed? A radiology technologist guides the patient through the upper GI series test along with a radiologist (a physician trained in performing and interpreting x-rays. Because an upper GI series involves interpreting images of the gastrointestinal system, it is important that any materials or objects internally or externally that could potentially interfere with interpretation of the x-ray film be avoided. Therefore, prior to an upper GI series, patients
