Double contrast oesophagram - barium/gastrograffin swallow
Drink 1 - carbonated drink, which includes swallowing dry effervescent crystals followed by a sip of water Drink 2 - Thick barium. The key is to take image s of a maximally distended esophagus, that is, “double contrast” images (double contrast refers to barium and air). The barium coated esophageal mucosa is distended by carbon dioxide, which is produced by the reaction of the crystals and water interacting with each other. Have the patient take additional large gulps of thick barium until you have completed the imaging for this step.