Concierge imaging · London
Private barium studies in London, read by a consultant radiologist.
Real-time contrast X-ray studies of the swallowing tube, stomach, small bowel and colon — used when endoscopy is not the right first step, and for functional swallowing questions.
Why patients choose us
- 01
Fast, real-time imaging
Contrast fluoroscopy done and read on the same visit, with next-day consultant report as standard.
- 02
The right study, first time
We match the study — swallow, meal, follow-through, enema — to the actual question you need answered.
- 03
Independent, and free
We take nothing from clinics — the recommendation is yours alone, at no cost.
Indicative pricing
What a private barium study costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A barium swallow in our network: £400–£750, reported in 24–72 hours.
| Study | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barium swallow (oesophagus) | £400–£750 | 30–45 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Barium meal (upper GI) | £450–£850 | 45–60 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Barium follow-through (small bowel) | £550–£1,000 | 60–120 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Barium enema (lower GI) | £550–£1,000 | 45–60 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Videofluoroscopy swallow study | £450–£850 | 30–45 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Small-bowel enema (enteroclysis) | £700–£1,300 | 60–90 min | 48–72 hrs |
Prices vary by clinic, complexity of the study, whether SLT input is required, and whether small-bowel enteroclysis is chosen over follow-through. We come back with a firm quote within hours.
The problem
Barium studies are a niche skill — not every clinic does them well.
A well-performed barium study answers a specific question. A rushed one wastes a dose of radiation. We route you to a clinic where a consultant radiologist personally performs and reports the study.
-
Difficulty swallowing?
A barium swallow shows in real time what is happening. Often paired with SLT input if aspiration is a worry.
-
Endoscopy not appropriate?
For tight strictures a scope cannot pass, or where sedation is unsafe, a barium study is often the right first test.
-
Small-bowel question?
The small bowel is difficult to reach endoscopically. A follow-through or enteroclysis gives a full view.
The journey
From enquiry to report — what happens, in order.
One concierge from enquiry to signed report — usually within a few days.
Phase 1 · Before your study
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
30–120 minutes at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, timeline, referral or insurer if you have them.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Usually within hours: which barium study, which clinic, indicative price. If endoscopy is the better first test, we say so.
- 03
Before
We arrange the appointment
Preparation instructions sent in advance — fasting or bowel prep as needed. Insurer pre-authorisation handled where relevant.
- 04
On the day
Arrival and quick check
A short check on pregnancy, allergies and previous imaging. You change into a gown.
- 05
On the day
In the fluoroscopy room
You swallow the barium (or it is given via enema tube). The radiologist watches in real time and takes still images.
- 06
On the day
Straight home
No sedation. Drink plenty of water for 24-48 hours — barium can be constipating.
- 07
After
Report and next steps
Consultant radiologist report typically within 24-72 hours. We route it to your GP or specialist.
Typical end-to-end: 24–72 hours. Complex enteroclysis: up to 5 days.
What it shows
Find the reason that matches your symptom.
Barium studies earn their place for functional GI questions and where endoscopy is not appropriate. These are the ones we arrange most.
-
Swallowing difficulty
Trouble swallowing (dysphagia) — barium swallow shows what happens in real time.
-
Hiatus hernia
Stomach displacement above the diaphragm and reflux patterns.
-
Peptic ulcer overview
Gross ulcers and outlet obstruction on a barium meal — endoscopy is more sensitive.
-
GI transit assessment
How fast (or slow) contrast moves through the small bowel.
-
Strictures
Narrowings of the oesophagus, small bowel or colon shown as fixed constrictions.
-
Diverticulosis
Pouches in the colon wall shown clearly on a barium enema.
-
Motility disorders
Achalasia, spasm and other functional problems visible in real time.
-
Red flag: severe pain or blood
Sudden severe abdominal pain or vomiting blood — call 999 or go to A&E.
Study types
Not all barium studies are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
-
Barium swallow (oesophagus)
Real-time contrast study of the swallowing tube.
-
Barium meal (stomach/duodenum)
Contrast study of the stomach and first part of the small bowel.
-
Barium follow-through (small bowel)
Serial images as contrast passes through the small bowel.
-
Barium enema (colon)
Contrast introduced rectally to outline the large bowel.
-
Videofluoroscopy swallow
Detailed dynamic study of swallowing mechanics, often with SLT input.
-
Small-bowel enteroclysis
Contrast delivered directly to the small bowel via a nasojejunal tube.
-
Water-soluble contrast alternative (Gastrografin)
Used instead of barium where perforation is suspected.
-
Modified barium swallow (SLT-led)
Speech-and-language-therapist-led swallow study for aspiration risk.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic in our network.
-
CQC-registered, with a current good or outstanding rating
-
Consultant radiologists personally supervise the study
-
Trained fluoroscopy radiographers on the day
-
SLT input available for videofluoroscopy swallow studies
-
Results interpreted and reported within 72 hours
Safety and eligibility
Real-time imaging — with the safeguards spelled out.
Barium studies use a moderate dose of ionising radiation. We justify each study, use pulsed low-dose fluoroscopy, and switch to water-soluble contrast where perforation is a concern.
-
Ionising radiation
Moderate dose — typically 2–8 mSv depending on the study. We justify each study and use the lowest dose possible.
-
Pregnancy
Barium studies are avoided in pregnancy unless essential. Always tell us if you are or may be pregnant.
-
Fasting before upper GI
6–8 hours fasting before a barium swallow, meal or follow-through so the stomach is empty.
-
Bowel preparation for enema
Laxatives and a clear-fluid diet for 24 hours before a barium enema — we send exact instructions.
-
Aspiration risk in swallow studies
Rare — barium can enter the airway in patients with severe swallow problems. The radiologist watches for this in real time.
-
Constipation is common
Barium is chalky and can constipate. Drink 2–3 litres of water in the 48 hours afterwards.
-
Allergy is rare
True allergy to barium is very unusual. Water-soluble contrast (Gastrografin) is used if there is any concern.
-
Anticoagulation review
Blood-thinners rarely need stopping for a barium study — we check on a case-by-case basis.
-
Claustrophobia
Not usually a problem — the fluoroscopy room is open, and you are on a wide C-arm table, not inside a tunnel.
Reading your report
A barium report is structured. Read the impression first.
Every barium report follows the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
The report is written for your doctor, not for you — and that is normal.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Your details and the clinical question
Your details, the study performed, and the indication behind the referral.
- 02 Technique
Contrast used and phases imaged
Which contrast was used, how much, and which anatomical phases were captured.
- 03 Findings
Structure-by-structure description
A structured walk through each part of the GI tract that was imaged, including any incidental findings.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
The conclusion in brief — read this first. Your specialist discusses it in context.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover depends on your policy and clinic; we confirm with your insurer before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about barium studies.
Quick answers on cost, referrals, radiation dose, preparation and results.
-
What can a barium study show?
Barium studies show the shape and function of the swallowing tube, stomach, small bowel and colon in real time. They are especially useful for swallowing problems, hiatus hernia, strictures, diverticulosis, motility disorders and gross ulcers.
-
Barium study vs endoscopy — which do I need?
Endoscopy (OGD or colonoscopy) is more sensitive for mucosal disease and allows biopsies. Barium studies are better for functional questions (swallowing, motility), for strictures where a scope cannot pass, and when endoscopy is not appropriate. We advise based on the actual question.
-
How much does a private barium study cost in London?
A barium swallow is typically £400–£750, a barium meal £450–£850, and a barium enema or follow-through £550–£1,000. Enteroclysis is £700–£1,300. We confirm a firm figure within hours.
-
Do I need a referral for a private barium study?
Yes — all private clinics require a referral for barium studies. We can arrange a fast-track private GP the same day if you do not already have one.
-
How much radiation does a barium study involve?
Moderate — typically 2–8 mSv depending on the study. That is roughly 12 months to 3 years of natural background radiation. We only recommend the study when the benefit clearly outweighs the dose.
-
How long do I fast before a barium study?
For upper GI studies (swallow, meal, follow-through) fast for 6–8 hours before the appointment. Take small sips of water only. For a barium enema, follow the bowel-prep instructions we send in advance.
-
What does the bowel preparation involve?
For a barium enema, clear fluids only for 24 hours and a laxative the day before. We send the exact regimen — it varies slightly by clinic.
-
How quickly will I get the results?
A consultant radiologist report is usually ready within 24–72 hours depending on the study. With your consent we send it and the images to your GP or specialist.
-
When is CT or MRI a better test than barium?
CT is often better for staging, complications and extra-luminal disease. MRI is preferred for Crohn’s small-bowel imaging (MR enterography). We advise upfront which is the right first test for your question.
-
When should I see a GP first?
If you have persistent swallowing difficulty, unintentional weight loss, blood in vomit or stool, or a strong family history of GI cancer, see a GP or specialist promptly. If pain is severe or bleeding is heavy, call 999.
Related content
Looking for a different test?
-
Fluoroscopy
Real-time X-ray for guided procedures and dynamic studies.
Learn more -
Endoscopy (OGD)
Direct visual inspection of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum.
Learn more -
Colonoscopy
Direct visual inspection of the colon with biopsy capability.
Learn more -
All tests & procedures
Browse the full concierge test index.
Learn more