Gastric Emptying Time (GET) Scan

Gastric Emptying Time (GET) Scan – Details & Precautions

A Gastric Emptying Time (GET) scan, also called a Gastric Emptying Study (GES) or Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy, is a nuclear medicine test used to evaluate how quickly the stomach empties food into the small intestine. It is commonly used to diagnose gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying) and other digestive disorders.

Details of a Gastric Emptying Time Scan

Purpose

• Diagnoses gastroparesis, which can cause nausea, vomiting, bloating, and early fullness.
• Evaluates rapid gastric emptying (dumping syndrome).
• Assesses stomach function in conditions like diabetes, neurological disorders, or post-surgery issues.

Procedure

1. Preparation

   • You will eat a meal containing a small amount of radioactive tracer (Technetium-99m).
   • The meal is usually scrambled eggs, toast, and water (for adults) or formula, milk, or oatmeal (for children).
   • The tracer helps track the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine.

2. Imaging Process

   • After eating, you will lie down, and a gamma camera will take images at regular intervals (e.g., every 15–60 minutes).
   • The test typically lasts 2–4 hours to monitor how much food remains in the stomach over time.

3. Completion

   • A normal gastric emptying rate means that less than 10% of the meal remains in the stomach after 4 hours.
   • Delayed emptying may indicate gastroparesis, while faster-than-normal emptying may suggest dumping syndrome.

Precautions for a Gastric Emptying Scan

Before the Test

✅ Fasting:

• No food or drinks for 8–12 hours before the test.

✅ Medication Restrictions:

• Your doctor may ask you to stop prokinetic drugs (e.g., metoclopramide), opioids, anticholinergics, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) before the test, as they can affect results.

✅ Avoid Smoking, Caffeine & Alcohol:

• No smoking, coffee, tea, or alcohol for 24 hours before the scan.

✅ Pregnancy/Breastfeeding:

• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the radioactive tracer could affect the baby.

During the Test

• Eat the test meal within 10 minutes as instructed.
• Avoid lying down or excessive movement during the test.
• Inform the technician if you feel nausea, bloating, or discomfort.

After the Test

✅ Drink plenty of water to flush out the radioactive tracer.
✅ Resume normal activities and diet unless otherwise instructed.
✅ Follow-up with your doctor for result interpretation and treatment options.