Gastric Emptying Scan is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the function of the stomach. The test measures the speed with which food leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine. This is important because the stomach needs to empty at the right rate – not too fast and not too slow – for proper digestion to occur.
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A gastric emptying scan can help diagnose conditions like gastroparesis, where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents. The test may also be used to diagnose other conditions such as stomach ulcers, reflux, or blockage in the intestines.
Fasting: You should not eat or drink anything (except water) for at least 6 hours before the test.
Medications: Inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking. Certain medications might need to be stopped for a while as they can affect the test results.
Allergies: If you have allergies, especially to eggs (since eggs are sometimes used in the test), inform the doctor beforehand.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The test involves exposure to a small amount of radiation, so it's important to inform the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Clothing: You might be asked to wear a hospital gown. Wear simple and comfortable clothing to the test.
You will be given a meal to eat which contains a small amount of radioactive material. The amount of radiation is very low and is not harmful. The most common meal is scrambled eggs mixed with a radioactive tracer.
You will then lie down on a table and a camera placed over your stomach will take images. The camera can detect the radioactive material in the food, and this can be used to monitor the rate at which food is leaving your stomach. The test usually takes about 2 to 4 hours, and images may be taken at different times.
The importance of a gastric emptying scan lies in its ability to:
Diagnose digestive disorders such as gastroparesis.
Monitor the effectiveness of treatments for stomach disorders.
Determine if there is any blockage or physical abnormalities in the stomach or intestines.
The test provides valuable information about the rate at which food is leaving your stomach. This information can be used to diagnose various stomach and digestive disorders. For example, if the food takes too long to leave the stomach, this might indicate a condition like gastroparesis.
You might need a gastric emptying scan if you have symptoms like nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, or feeling full quickly when eating. These symptoms could indicate a problem with how your stomach is emptying.
If the test shows abnormal results, you should consult a gastroenterologist. They specialize in the digestive system and can provide the necessary treatment and advice.
Yes, it is safe. The amount of radiation used in the test is very low and not harmful.
You should not feel any discomfort. You will be lying still while the camera takes pictures.
The results are usually available within a few days.
Inform the doctor as the test involves exposure to radiation.
There are no known side effects of this test.
Yes, you can resume your normal diet unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
Your doctor will discuss the results with you and suggest an appropriate treatment plan.
Yes, you can, as the test doesn't involve the use of any sedatives.
This depends on your symptoms and what your doctor is monitoring. Follow-up tests may or may not be necessary.
Follow the instructions provided by the healthcare team regarding fasting and medications.
Discuss this with your doctor. Some medications might need to be stopped for a while before the test.
The test does not involve being enclosed, so it should not be a problem for those with claustrophobia.
Gastric Emptying Scan is a valuable diagnostic tool in assessing the function of the stomach and the rate at which it empties. It is important to follow all the instructions provided by the healthcare team and to communicate openly with your doctor about any concerns or questions you might have regarding the procedure.