Upper GI series are often requested for the investigation of upper gastrointestinal symptoms. This investigation has a significant proportion of false positive and false negative results compared with endoscopy, and studies have consistently found that this is not a cost-effective approach compared to other strategies of managing dyspepsia.
Sources:
Makris N, et al. Cost-effectiveness of alternative approaches in the management of dyspepsia. Int J Technol Assess Health Care. 2003 Summer;19(3):446-64. PMID: 12962332.
Talley NJ, et al. American gastroenterological association technical review on the evaluation of dyspepsia. Gastroenterology. 2005 Nov;129(5):1756-80. PMID: 16285971.