CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
BARIUM SWALLOW TEST
A safe and rapid test that reveals early and subtle changes in both structure and function in all aspects of swallowing
A barium swallow test is an examination of your food pipe (oesophagus). This is the tube between your mouth and stomach.
During the test you will be asked to drink a liquid (barium) to see what happens when you swallow. You may also be asked to eat some bread or marshmallows soaked in barium.
The procedure will be performed by a radiologist. You will be asked to change into a hospital gown before being taken into the examination room. You will be told to stand on a small platform and asked to drink a liquid (barium) that is visible on X-rays.
Whilst you drink the liquid X-rays will be taken. Most people drink a thick liquid but sometimes a thinner liquid is used. The platform will then be tilted so you are lying down and more images taken. You may be asked to lie on your front and drink some more liquid. When enough pictures have been taken the examination is over.