A gastric test is a procedure used to evaluate the stomach's function, particularly how quickly it empties its contents. It measures the rate at which food moves from the stomach into the small intestine.
Why is a Gastric Emptying Test Performed?
Gastric emptying tests help diagnose conditions where the stomach empties too quickly or too slowly, which can indicate an underlying health problem. Usually, around 90% of food consumed moves from the stomach to the small intestine within four hours. Deviations from this normal range can signify issues such as:
- Gastroparesis: Delayed gastric emptying, often associated with diabetes, nerve damage, or certain medications.
- Dumping Syndrome: Rapid gastric emptying, frequently occurring after gastric surgery.
How Gastric Emptying Tests Work
Different types of gastric emptying tests exist, but the most common involves consuming a small meal containing a radioactive substance. A special camera then tracks the movement of the radioactive material out of the stomach over several hours. The rate at which the stomach empties is measured and compared to normal values. Other less common gastric tests may involve measuring stomach acid levels.
Example Conditions Diagnosed by Gastric Emptying Tests
Gastric emptying tests can help diagnose conditions such as:
- Gastritis
- Peptic Ulcers
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Stomach Cancer
