Patient drink thin barium from a straw and observe two to three single swallows by taking fluorostore images of the top of the barium column as it passes through the proximal and distal esophagus and into the stomach.
The single-contrast esophagram allows for an assessment of esophageal motility. Having the patient open their mouth after the swallows prevents them from initiating extra swallows during the exam. Waiting 20 seconds between swallows allows for the barium to be cleared from the esophagus, which is normally about 13 seconds. If the barium bolus is retained for more than 20 seconds then clearing time is delayed.