Gastric emptying/GE reflux scan
What is a gastric emptying scan?
A gastric emptying scan is a test used to find problems in the stomach. Special pictures are taken after a meal of eggs or formula is eaten. The medicine is put into the eggs or formula. The medicine is called a radiopharmaceutical (a tiny amount of a radioactive liquid). The pictures show the medicine in the stomach and esophagus.
Before the procedure
Before coming to the hospital, read this explanation and explain to your child what will happen during the test. For young children, use simple words and explain only shortly before the test.
- If your child is less than 6 months of age, he cannot eat or drink anything by mouth for 4 hours before the test.
- If your child is older than 6 months of age, he cannot eat or drink anything by mouth for 6 hours before the test.
- If your child is an infant, it is helpful to bring along a bottle of formula or juice with you for after the test. It is also recommended that you bring a pacifier, blanket or special toy to help calm your baby.
- For older children, it is helpful to bring a book, toy, or DVD to play with while waiting. It is helpful to have another caregiver for your child's siblings. For young children or babies, it is a good idea to bring a stroller.
During the scan
A technologist will place the medicine into eggs or formula and have the child eat it. After the child has eaten, he will lie still on a soft table and pictures will be taken for 2 hours. Your child may need a safety belt to help lie still. During this time he may watch a DVD. The camera will not hurt or touch your child. You will be able to stay with him during the entire test.
It is possible that during the procedure your child may experience some discomfort. Please tell the doctor, nurse or technologist if pain occurs.
After the scan
The child eliminates the medicine from their body by urinating. He should drink plenty of fluids and urinate often to help clear it from his body. It should be completely out of his body within 24 hours.
As always, you and your child should wash your hands after he urinates or when handling urine-soaked diapers or sheets.
After the test, he may return to regular daily activities and meals.
Results of the test will be available to your child's doctor within 24 hours.
Technology/Scanners used
The pictures will be taken by a Siemens ECam. The open gantry design and feet-in imaging helps your child to feel more comfortable and allows him to watch a movie. The camera has two detectors, one which will be above your child and one which will be under him.