Gastric Emptying Study

Purpose of the Procedure

A gastric emptying study uses a radioactive material (tracer) to determine the amount of time required for your stomach to empty after a meal. Your provider may order this study to detect causes of unexplained nausea, esophageal reflux, vomiting, bloating or weight loss.

Before Your Procedure

• Inform your doctor if you could be pregnant or are nursing
• Do not eat or drink 6 hours before your appointment.
• You may take medications with a sip of water.
• Do not bring children with you to your appointment. For their safety children are not allowed to accompany you in the exam room. Staff are unable to monitor children.

During Your Procedure

A Nuclear Medicine technologist will explain and perform the exam.

• Technologist will provide you scrambled eggs, toast and orange juice. A small amount of radioactive material (tracer) will be added to your eggs.
• Technologist positions you on your back on an imaging table for the initial series of images.
• Additional images are taken at 1-hour intervals for 3-4 hours.
• Total length of appointment is 3½-4½ hours.

After Your Procedure

• You may resume your normal activities.
• Increase your fluid intake unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• Your body typically eliminates all radioactive material (tracer) within 24 hours.
• The radioactive tracer used for this test is Tc99 sulfur colloid.
• A radiologist is a doctor who reads your exam. They will get results to your ordering provider within 5 business days. Your ordering clinic will provide you with the results.
• Follow-up care is a key part of your health. Be sure to make and go to all appointments and call your primary care provider if you have questions.