Gastric Emptying

Overview

A gastric emptying test is a nuclear medicine procedure that measures how quickly solid food moves from your stomach into your small bowel. This diagnostic exam helps physicians identify digestive disorders such as gastroparesis and other conditions affecting stomach function.

During the 4-hour test, you’ll consume a standardized meal containing a small amount of radioactive tracer, and our technologists will capture images at regular intervals to track how efficiently your stomach empties. The procedure is non-invasive, safe, and provides valuable information to guide your treatment plan.

Patient Testimonials

VP staff

“The staff were all very friendly and helpful. I live in Idaho, and I come in purposely to use your facility for any imaging needs.””

Amy K.

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IITC staff

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Camille

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Megan N.

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Joe S.

“The tech was great. He knew I was anxious and took his time explaining, gave me options and time to acclimate.”

Lindsey

“She was absolutely wonderful, so welcoming… I don’t think people realize what a difference that makes when you are coming in for testing.”

Nishell

“I called to schedule my daughter for an exam… Nikki took that all away for me.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a gastric emptying study?

A gastric emptying study is a nuclear medicine test that measures how quickly food moves from your stomach into your small intestine. This test helps doctors diagnose conditions like gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) and other digestive disorders.

How long does the exam take?

The entire exam takes approximately 4 hours. You’ll have images taken at 30-minute intervals for the first 2 hours, then you can leave the facility for about 2 hours before returning for a final image at the 4-hour mark.

What should I expect?

The standard meal for the gastric emptying exam consists of eating two scrambled eggs, two pieces of white bread with strawberry jam, and 5oz of water. Once you are done eating the technologist will take a two-minute picture every thirty minutes for two hours. After the two-hour image is done you may leave the facility for just under two hours but you are not allowed to eat or drink anything during that time.

You must return for one final image four hours after the first image was taken. If you are not back promptly at the four-hour mark you may have to repeat the exam at your own expense due to lack of accuracy of the results. Sugar-free jam is available upon request. If you are gluten intolerant, please bring two pieces of gluten-free bread with you to the appointment. If you have an egg allergy or if the amount of food listed in the standard meal is too much for you to consume we will use 8oz of Boost Plus which is a meal replacement shake.

If your doctor orders a gastric emptying test with Reglan, once you are done eating the meal we will take pictures constantly for 90 minutes then give the Reglan and take pictures for another 30 minutes.

How should I prepare?

Nothing to eat or drink 12 hours prior to the exam. May have water up to 4 hours prior to appointment. Do not take narcotic pain medications for 24 hours prior to the exam. Do not take narcotic pain medications for 24 hours prior to the exam. If you are currently taking narcotic pain medications please tell the scheduler.