Radiology - Gastric Emptying Scan – Solid Meal

Nuclear Medicine Department

Please read this leaflet carefully in conjunction with your appointment letter.

If you require further any information please contact the Nuclear Medicine Department - 0161 206 4861

Why do I need this test?

Your doctor has asked us to perform a test to find out how your stomach deals with food and how quickly it empties into the bowel. You can choose to refuse this test, but we strongly recommend that you discuss this with your doctor before making a decision.

Preparation for your test

• It is very important that you have told us about all the medications you are currently taking or have taken at any time during the month before the test date. There are certain medications that can affect how your stomach empties and we may have to ask you to stop taking them before this test
• You will need to fast for several hours before the test starts. Detailed advice will be given to you in your appointment confirmation letter. Please ensure that the instructions are followed carefully

How is the test performed?

This test is usually completed within 5 hours, but occasionally your doctor may ask us to extend this time to image more of the bowel.

When you arrive in the department, we will first make sure you have followed the preparation instructions correctly and have not had any medication which may interfere with the test.

You will then be asked to eat an egg (made from powdered egg) and jam (usually strawberry) sandwich containing a small amount of radioactivity and a glass of water.

You will sit in front of our special camera, called a gamma camera. The scan will start as you eat the sandwich, this allows us to assess your swallowing. Further images will be taken of your stomach whilst you stand in front of the gamma camera. This allows us to see your stomach whilst it is digesting the meal.

There is no need to undress. You will need to remove jewellery, keys or other metallic objects from your person/pockets.

Having the scan does not hurt, but it is important that you keep still whilst the pictures are being taken. You can sit down in between the pictures. If you are uncomfortable, please tell us and we will try to make you as relaxed as possible.

There are no side effects from the test meal; it does not make you sleepy or prevent you from driving a car.

Risks & Limitations

• If you think you may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding you must contact us before the test date
• If you are diabetic and are concerned about not eating on the morning of the test, please ring our department on the number above
• If you have any food allergy, especially egg, strawberry and gluten, please contact us before the test date
• If you suffer from nausea and vomit during the test, it is possible the test may have to be repeated
• You will receive a small radiation dose of about 0.6 to 0.9 mSv. To put this in perspective, the average radiation dose received from natural background radiation in the UK in one year is just under 3 mSv

After the test is finished

You can eat and drink as normal and resume your usual medication. The radioactivity should completely disappear within 24 hours. You should be fine to drive and may go home or to work.

Please avoid prolonged close contact with children or pregnant women for the rest of the day. This is to avoid exposing babies and children to unnecessary radiation.

What happens to the results?

A report is sent to the hospital consultant who asked us to do the test. Allow at least 2 weeks for this.

Nuclear medicine staff are not allowed to give patients the result of any tests directly.

Can I bring a friend or relative?

Yes, but they will have to remain in the waiting room while you have your pictures taken.

Only essential carers may remain with you. You must let us know before your test date if you require a carer present.

Please, do not bring children or pregnant adults with you as there may be other patients in the department who might expose them to a small but unnecessary amount of radiation.

What if I cannot attend for my appointment?

If you have any questions about your examination or are unable to make the appointment, please telephone the help line on 0161 206 4861. This is a 24 hour answer phone, but is usually manned Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

If you prefer you can contact us via email at radio.isotopes@nca.nhs.uk

Please include your name, address, date of birth and hospital number (if known) on all correspondence.

Please help us to cut our waiting lists. If you need to cancel or change your appointment call us as soon as you can so that we can give it to somebody else.

I need an ambulance, how do I arrange this?

If you need an ambulance contact:

0161 206 7014 – Salford residents
0800 032 3240 – other areas

Please inform the Nuclear Medicine department if you are arriving by ambulance.

Interpreters

If you need a translator for your examination, please contact the Nuclear Medicine department.

Other sources of information

For further information regarding nuclear medicine examinations, visit the British Nuclear Medicine website:
http://www.bnms.org.uk/PatientsCarers
 
If you still have concerns or require further information about this test, please contact us at:

Nuclear Medicine Department
Salford Royal Hospital
Stott Lane
Salford
M6 8HD
Telephone: 0161 206 4861