A Window Into Your Digestive Health
Gastric emptying nuclear medicine studies provide crucial insights into how efficiently your stomach empties its contents. This diagnostic test helps identify conditions like gastroparesis, where the stomach's natural emptying process is delayed. A gastric emptying study can also determine if the stomach empties too quickly, a condition known as rapid gastric emptying.
What to Expect During Your Study
The procedure begins with eating a light meal containing a small amount of radioactive material. This special meal typically consists of eggs labeled with Technetium-99m, a safe radioactive isotope. After the meal, a one-minute image will be captured every hour for the next four hours.
Why Your Doctor May Order This Test
Common symptoms that warrant a gastric emptying study include:
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Early satiety (feeling full quickly)
- Upper abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bloating after meals
Preparing for Your Study
To ensure accurate results:
- Fast for 6 hours before the test (typically nothing to eat or drink after midnight)
- Stop certain medications that affect stomach motility
- Wear comfortable clothing
After Your Study
Once complete, you can resume normal activities immediately. There's no recovery period, and radiation exposure is minimal. Our board-certified expert radiologists will analyze the results and send a detailed report to your referring physician.
Why Choose Element Medical Imaging
Our state-of-the-art nuclear medicine department uses the latest imaging technology and follows standardized protocols for consistent, reliable results. Our experienced technologists prioritize your comfort while ensuring precise diagnostic information for your healthcare team.
Contact Element Medical Imaging today to schedule your gastric emptying study. Our scheduling team will guide you through the preparation process and answer any questions you may have. A healthcare provider’s order is required for this exam.