Imaging Center
Nuclear Medicine Gastric Emptying Study
Purpose: A Nuclear Medicine Gastric Emptying Study is a diagnostic imaging procedure used to determine the rate that food empties from the stomach and enters the small intestine.
Preparation: You may not have anything to eat, drink, smoke or chew for 6 hours prior to your exam. Do not have any barium studies for at least one week prior to your exam. A Nuclear Medicine Technician will explain the procedure and answer any questions you have. If you think you are pregnant, please tell the technologist before your exam.
What to Expect: You will be given a meal to eat which contains both a solid and a liquid component. The solid portion will contain a small amount of radioactive material. Images will be taken as a nuclear medicine scanner monitors the amount of radioactivity in your stomach after the meal is eaten.
Post Exam Information: Your images will be reviewed by a Radiologist and the results of your exam will be forwarded to your physician. Your physician will be able to discuss the results of your exam with you.
Time Frame: 90 minutes
Contact for additional information: Rusk County Memorial Hospital Imaging Services Department at 715-532-5561 extension 244.