A gastric emptying scan is an x-ray exam using special radioactive material that helps in identifying abnormalities related to emptying of the stomach, The study is used most frequently to evaluate patients who have symptoms suggestive of decreased, delayed, or rapid gastric emptying. These symptoms include nausea, upper abdominal bloating, and at times, vomiting. Another significant symptom is called early satiety’, which means feeling full after eating only a small amount of food.

For the test, you will be given scrambled eggs or orange juice that have been injected with a small amount of radioactive material. After you ingest the eggs or juice, your stomach will then be x-rayed. The test takes about 1-2 hours. You may resume your normal activities and diet after the test.

You must not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the test. If your test is scheduled in the afternoon, you may have only clear liquids until 4 hours before the test. We normally receive the results of the test within 7-10 business days. After your physician reviews the report, we will call you with the results.