A stomach emptying test, also known as a gastric emptying study, is performed using a nuclear scanning technique to measure how quickly food leaves your stomach. Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Preparation: You'll likely be instructed to avoid certain medications and foods before the test. Your doctor will provide specific instructions based on your medical history. This may include fasting for a specific period (usually several hours) before the test.
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The Radioactive Tracer: A small, safe amount of radioactive material (a radioactive tracer) is mixed with a solid meal. This meal is usually something easily digestible, like eggs or oatmeal. The amount of radiation is minimal and poses very little risk.
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Eating the Meal: You will eat the meal containing the radioactive tracer. It's important to consume the entire meal within a specified timeframe.
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Scanning: After eating, you will lie down on a table beneath a special camera. This camera, called a gamma camera, detects the radioactive tracer in your stomach.
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Image Acquisition: The camera takes images of your stomach over a period of several hours (typically 1 to 4 hours). The camera doesn't emit any radiation; it only detects the radiation from the tracer in the food. Images are taken at regular intervals (e.g., every 15, 30, or 60 minutes).
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Data Analysis: A computer analyzes the images to determine how quickly the food empties from your stomach. The results are displayed as a graph or chart showing the percentage of food remaining in your stomach over time.
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Results: A radiologist interprets the results and sends a report to your doctor. Your doctor will then discuss the findings with you and recommend any necessary treatment.
In summary, a stomach emptying test is a non-invasive procedure that uses a radioactive tracer in food to monitor and measure the rate at which food leaves the stomach, providing valuable information about gastric function.
