What is a gastric emptying scan?
A gastric emptying scan is a diagnostic procedure that measures how long it takes for food to leave your stomach. You will eat a meal containing a small, safe amount of radioactivity, followed by imaging with a special gamma camera. This helps your doctor understand your condition, as various medical issues can affect the rate at which your stomach empties.
Preparation and Fasting
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke from midnight prior to your scan.
- Remain “nil by mouth” for the entire duration of the investigation.
- If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please contact the Nuclear Medicine department in advance.
- Attend the appointment alone if possible.
Information for Diabetic Patients
If you are diabetic, please contact the department for specific advice. On the day of your appointment:
- Bring all your medications, a snack, your glucose monitor, and your insulin.
- We will check your blood glucose upon arrival. If it is higher than 15, the scan may be postponed.
- You may need to adjust or omit your diabetes medication/insulin due to the midnight fast. Discuss this with your medical team or diabetes nurse beforehand.
- Type 1 Diabetics must still take long-acting insulin (though the dose may be reduced).
What does the scan involve?
You will be asked to eat a specific meal consisting of an egg white omelette (120g), two slices of white bread (30g carb), and jam (20g carb). If you cannot eat this for any reason, please contact us.
After the meal, a gamma camera will take images at timed intervals. You will lie on a bed for approximately 5 minutes for each set of images. The total procedure can take up to 4 hours at the RVI, though images are reviewed at the 2-hour mark.
After the Scan
Once imaging is complete, you are free to go home or return to work. To help clear the small amount of radioactivity from your system:
- Drink plenty of extra fluids.
- Flush the toilet well after use.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet.
Contact Information (RVI)
Nuclear Medicine Dept, Level 2 Leazes Wing, Royal Victoria Infirmary. Tel: 0191 28 24038 (Mon-Fri, 9:00am – 4:30pm). Email: nuth.nuclearmedicinervi@nhs.net