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What is a Gastric Emptying Scan?
A gastric emptying scan is a diagnostic procedure, which looks at whether your stomach is emptying normally. It involves consuming food that is slightly radioactive. This is followed by imaging with a gamma camera.
What is this scan used for?
- Diagnosis of gastroparesis
- Motility disorders
- To evaluate GORD
How can I prepare for this procedure?
- If you are intolerant or allergic to milk or any ingredients in Readybrek, please contact the Nuclear Medicine Department.
- If you are diabetic, please bring your blood monitoring equipment with you and your medication which may be taken with the meal. You may be asked to measure your blood sugar levels more than once during the test.
- Your medication list is also required before the scan.
- Please do not eat or drink for 10 hours prior to the test.
- If there is any chance you could be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding, please inform the Department at least 24 hours before your appointment on 0161 495 7040.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will be given a bowl of porridge which will contain a small amount of radioactive liquid. This will not make you feel any different. Immediately after, you will stand between two cameras.
- Pictures of the stomach area will be taken, at various intervals for 90 minutes.
- You will not be enclosed in a tunnel and you will not be left alone during the scan.
- You will not need to undress at any point as long as there are no metal items on your clothing.
How can I book a gastric emptying scan?
A gastric emptying scan is something that will be recommended by your Consultant, at which point our team will arrange an appointment for you. If you think you may need a gastric emptying scan and you aren’t speaking to one of our Consultants yet, book an initial consultation using our online booking portal. If you need a gastric emptying scan, they will arrange it for you.
Paying for your procedure
The costs of a Gastric Emptying scan are covered by most medical insurance policies, but please check with your insurer first. If you are paying for your own scan, please ask for the cost of the procedure to be explained when you book the appointment.
