What is a Small Bowel Series?
A small bowel series is that portion of an upper gastrointestinal series that examines the small bowel or small intestine. It is only done in conjunction with an upper gastrointestinal series when specifically ordered by the referring physician. The patient is given a mixture of barium and water to drink. Once the barium has reached the small intestine, the patient lies on a table, while the radiologist monitors the movement of the barium on a fluoroscopy monitor. A state licensed, ARRT (American Registry of Radiological Technologists) certified technologist takes images at timed intervals. A small bowel series can take anywhere from 45 minutes to several hours, depending on the rate at which the barium moves through the patients system. A small bowel series is used to diagnose disorders and diseases that affect the small bowel.
