Gastric Emptying

Home Services Nuclear Medicine Gastric Emptying
This type of study is used to track the time needed to expel ingested solid or liquid food from the stomach into the intestines. The tracer is ingested through a solid or liquid meal allowing the physician to observe the method by which the stomach expels it. Normally, it is necessary to diagnose motility disorders.

Fasting: You should be fasting for 6 hours earlier to the test.

Medication contradiction: A list of medications should be provided as they may interfere with the examination. The following medications should be stopped at least 2 days prior to the exam:
  • Prokinetic agents that speed up the motility of gastrointestinal tract such as (Motilium, Reglan, Erythromycin, Zelnorm)
  • Anticholinergic drugs such as (Bentyl, Donnatal, Levsin, Robinul, Hyosyne)
  • Opiates and analgesics such as (Tramadol, Oxycodone, Methadone, Morphine, Oxytocin)

Tracer method of intake: The tracer will be ingested as it will be provided in a fatty meal (for solid study) or in a 7up can (for liquid study).

Examination duration: The imaging process will take 90 minutes; the imaging will be conducted while eating the an in-house meal or while drinking the 7up.