The term "scan for the digestive system" is broad; several scans and tests are used to examine different parts and functions of the digestive system. Here are some of them, as outlined by Johns Hopkins Medicine:
Common Scans and Tests for the Digestive System
The following are examples of scans and tests used to examine the digestive system:
- Colorectal Transit Study: This test evaluates how efficiently food moves through the colon.
- CT Scan: A CT scan can provide detailed images of the digestive organs.
- Defecography: This test assesses how well someone can evacuate their bowels.
- Lower GI (Gastrointestinal) Series: This imaging technique examines the large intestine.
- MRI Scan: An MRI scan offers detailed images of the digestive organs using magnetic fields and radio waves.
- Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP): This specialized MRI focuses on the bile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreatic ducts.
- Oropharyngeal Motility (Swallowing) Study: This assesses the process of swallowing, specifically the movement of food from the mouth to the esophagus.
- Radioisotope Gastric-Emptying Scan: This measures how quickly food empties from the stomach.
