Gastric Emptying Exam

Two types - Both enable the doctor to see how well the patient is digesting the solid or liquid over a given amount of time.

• Liquid Gastric Emptying involves drinking milk/formula or any beverage high in protein.  A radiotracer is added to the liquid.  The patient will drink the milk in about a 10–15-minute period.  After the milk has been ingested, the patient will take three pictures.
  
  One picture is taken immediately after injection. The patient must stay still for 15 minutes then the 2nd picture is taken. At 1 hour past the injection, the 3rd picture is taken. The patient is allowed to move in between picture 2 and 3. At 2 hours past injection, the last picture is taken. The patient is allowed to move in between the 3rd and last picture.
  
  These pictures watch the progression of the milk out of the stomach.  The process looks at the first picture and compares it to the second and third picture. The patient cannot eat or drink four hours before the test.
  
  This test takes 2 hours to complete.
  
  
• Solid Gastric Emptying involves eating eggs or oatmeal.  A radiotracer is added to the eggs/oatmeal and the patient eats them in a 10–15-minute period.  After the eggs/oatmeal have been ingested, the patient will take five pictures.  The first picture will be immediately after consumption, the second, third, fourth, and fifth will be every hour thereafter.  The pictures will show the process of the food digesting out of the system.  The patient cannot eat or drink four hours before the test.
  
  This test takes 4 hours to complete.
  
  **Sedation is not an option for this test as it slows down digestion and could give false results.

Who can I call with questions?

If you have any questions, please call or text 865-541-8116 to speak with a member of the Radiology or Sedation team.

Someone from our Radiology team will call or text to confirm your appointment and answer any questions you may have regarding your appointment. If you have any questions, please contact us at 865-541-8116.

You can also see these instructions and more information here about Imaging and Radiology at East Tennessee Children's Hospital.