Gastric Emptying Tests
Reviewed
Gastric emptying tests measure how fast food moves out of your stomach. They are used to diagnose gastroparesis (slow emptying) and dumping syndrome (fast emptying). There are several types of tests, including imaging scans, breath tests, and a smart pill. Preparation usually involves fasting and possibly stopping certain medicines.
Preparation and collection
You may need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before your test. Your provider will also let you know if you need to stop taking certain medicines.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- For imaging tests (gastric emptying scan and upper GI series): there is a small amount of radiation exposure, which is very low and not considered harmful for most people, but these tests should not be performed if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
- For the upper GI series, there is a risk of allergy to barium and possible constipation if the barium does not pass completely.
- For the gastric emptying breath test and smart pill, there is very little risk.
- In rare cases, a smart pill may get stuck in your digestive system; contact your provider if it takes longer than several days to pass.
What to do next
If you are diagnosed with gastroparesis, treatment may involve medicines and/or treating the underlying condition (such as diabetes). Your provider will likely recommend dietary changes: eating low-fiber, low-fat foods; avoiding carbonated drinks, smoking, and alcohol; eating smaller meals more frequently; chewing food thoroughly; and waiting at least two hours after eating before lying down.