What is the procedure for a barium (Ba) meal?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 17, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

To perform a barium meal, the patient is administered a barium sulfate suspension orally, and then positioned under fluoroscopy to evaluate the esophagus, stomach, pylorus, and duodenum 1.

Key Steps

  • The barium sulfate suspension is used to visualize the upper gastrointestinal tract, specifically the esophagus, stomach, pylorus, and duodenum to the duodenal jejunal junction 1.
  • The procedure involves obtaining serial images at 1-5 minute intervals over a period of time to assess the movement of the barium sulfate suspension through the upper gastrointestinal tract.
  • Meticulous technique is warranted to avoid inaccurate interpretations, which can be caused by factors such as redundant duodenum, bowel distension, and jejunal position 1.
  • The barium meal procedure is considered a reference standard for evaluating malrotation, but it is not without limitations, including potential false-positive and false-negative interpretations 1.

From the Research

Barium Meal Procedure

There are no research papers to assist in answering this question. The provided studies do not mention the procedure for a barium (Ba) meal.

  • The studies provided focus on various topics such as the trough:peak ratio of antihypertensive drugs 2, intravenous iron sucrose dosage 3, oral morphine dosing in children 4, efficacy and safety of sustained release diltiazem formulation 5, and calculation of drug doses in solution 6.
  • None of these studies provide information on the procedure for a barium meal.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Practical relevance of the 24-hour trough: peak ratio of antihypertensive drugs.

Journal of hypertension. Supplement : official journal of the International Society of Hypertension, 1995

Research

Intravenous iron sucrose: establishing a safe dose.

American journal of kidney diseases : the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation, 2001

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.