Gastric emptying scan

During a gastric emptying scan, a patient will eat a meal, typically scrambled eggs, mixed with a small amount of radioactive tracer. Sometimes, a liquid version is used, where you'll drink a liquid containing the tracer instead. The radioactive material gives off a small amount of radiation, which is detected by a gamma camera, a special type of camera used in nuclear medicine.

The camera takes images at set times throughout the day to track how quickly your stomach empties food into your small intestine. The test usually takes two to four hours, depending on the type of gastric emptying study. The results of the scan provide valuable information on the speed of gastric emptying, helping consultants diagnose and rule out a range of different digestive conditions.

Usually our consultants recommend gastric emptying scans for people who are experiencing digestive symptoms such as:

• Chronic nausea
• Serious dehydration
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Unexplained weight loss

These symptoms can indicate an issue with how your stomach empties food, which is often linked to conditions like gastroparesis or other motility (digestive movement) disorders.

People with diabetes are particularly at risk for gastroparesis, as high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves that control the stomach muscles. In addition, a gastric emptying scan is sometimes recommended for people with suspected functional dyspepsia, a condition often related to persistent indigestion without an obvious cause.

The biggest benefit of a gastric emptying scan is that it provides a clear and accurate assessment of how well your stomach empties its contents. The test is simple, non-invasive, and pain-free, with only a small amount of radioactive exposure.

The results from a gastric emptying scan can help consultants diagnose conditions that may not be easily detected through other methods. An early and accurate diagnosis can put you on the path to more effective treatment plans, potentially improving your quality of life.

Before undergoing a gastric emptying scan, you’ll be asked to fast for between four to six hours before your test, which means not eating or drinking anything during this period. This is to make sure your stomach is as empty as possible when the test begins.

In the lead up to your scan, your consultant will discuss the process and any concerns or questions you may have. You might need to temporarily stop existing medications for the test, and avoid smoking and caffeine too, as these can sometimes influence stomach emptying.

The standard gastric emptying scan and test process is straightforward. Yours will go something like this:

Eating a meal

When you get to the hospital, you’ll be given a meal, usually scrambled eggs, containing a small amount of radioactive tracer.

Imaging

Once you’ve finished the meal, you will be instructed to lie down under a gamma camera, which will take images of your stomach at regular intervals.

Monitoring

The imaging process typically lasts between two and four hours. During the scan, you will be asked to lie as still as possible, to help make the images as clear as possible. Depending on the test, images are usually taken every 15 to 30 minutes.

After the scan, you are usually free to go home and resume your normal activities, including eating and drinking. You can drive straight away and will not need anyone to accompany you from the hospital. The radioactive material used is harmless and will naturally pass through your body over the next few days.

The results of your scan are then reviewed by a nuclear medicine specialist or a radiologist, who will then discuss the findings with your consultant.

A gastric emptying scan is primarily used to diagnose conditions related to abnormal gastric movement and digestive process problems. The most common ones include:

Gastroparesis

A condition where your stomach empties food into your small intestine more slowly than normal. This can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, bloating, and weight loss.

Functional dyspepsia

A chronic disorder of sensation and movement in the upper digestive tract, leading to discomfort and indigestion without a clear cause.

Post-surgical complications

Some patients can experience delayed gastric emptying after certain surgeries, such as those involving the stomach or oesophagus.

Diabetic gastropathy

A condition related to diabetes, where high blood sugar levels affect the nerves controlling the stomach muscles, leading to delayed gastric emptying.

Your consultant will talk you through the whole process beforehand, but here are a few things to keep in mind:

Fasting

As mentioned before, do not eat or drink anything for four to six hours before the test. This is the best way to make sure your stomach is empty when the scan begins.

Avoid stimulants

Refrain from smoking or consuming caffeine for at least four hours before your scan, as these can influence gastric emptying.

Wear comfortable clothing

You may be asked to wear a hospital gown during the scan, but wearing comfortable clothing can make the process smoother, and help when lying still for long periods.

A gastric emptying scan is generally safe for most people. However, certain people may need special consideration:

Pregnant women

Although the radiation exposure is minimal, pregnant women should discuss the risks with their consultant. In some cases, alternative tests may be recommended.

Children

This test can be performed on children, but the meal used and the amount of radioactive material may be adjusted based on the patient’s age and size.

People with allergies

Not everyone can eat eggs, so patients with dietary allergies or specific requirements can discuss an alternative meal with their consultant.

As a gastric emptying scan is a non-invasive procedure, there is no real recovery time involved.

The scan measures the percentage of the meal that remains in the stomach at various time intervals. Typically, a healthy stomach will empty about 50% of its contents within 90 minutes to two hours. If more than 10% of the meal remains in the stomach after four hours, it may indicate delayed gastric emptying or gastroparesis.

However, if your stomach empties too quickly, this could suggest a condition like dumping syndrome, where food moves too rapidly from the stomach to the small intestine, leading to symptoms like nausea, diarrhoea, and dizziness.

Your consultant will discuss your scan results with you and recommend any further tests or treatment plans to manage any conditions that the tests have identified.

At Circle Health Group, we have the experience and expertise to ensure the best possible care and outcome for our patients. As a patient with Circle Health Group, you can expect the highest standards of care including:

• Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
• Private ensuite rooms as standard
• A range of delicious healthy meals
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about gastric emptying scans, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0808 189 5499.

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in November 2024. Next review due November 2026.

1. Gastric Emptying Scans, Healthline
2. Gastric Emptying Study, NHS Trust University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire
3. Gastric Emptying Tests, MedlinePlus