Barium Swallow
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Lateral

IMAGE RECEPTOR
Patient position
Erect initially; recumbent obliques as needed.
Part position
Patient drinks thick then thin barium under fluoroscopy; spot films at the esophagus.
Central ray
Perpendicular to mid-esophagus (T5–T6) on spot films.
IR placement
Tableside II / flat panel.

Tech pearls

  • Use thick barium first to coat — then thin for motility.
  • RAO best demonstrates esophagus off the spine.