What is a gastric emptying scan?

A gastric emptying scan is a test that helps us to find out if your stomach is emptying normally or how quickly food is leaving the stomach.

Is it safe?

The liquid (radionuclides) used in nuclear medicine are generally safe. They have short half-life. This study is a non-invasive test. To get your scan we need to add a small amount of radioactivity (radiopharmaceutical) in your meal like eggs or porridge. The small radiation risk is outweighed by the information that we will get from the scan.

Do I need to have this scan?

A doctor will have checked the request to make sure this is the best test for you.

If you have any concerns or would like more information contact the department where you are having your scan. If you do not understand why you need to have this scan speak to the doctor who referred you.

How do I prepare for my scan?
  • We will have discussed the preparation with you by telephone. If this has not been done call us ASAP. There are some medicines which can interfere with the results. These need to be withdrawn 2 days before your appointment.
  • You will have to fast for at least 6 hours before your test. You will need to stop smoking before and during the test.
  • If you are diabetic or allergic to egg, gluten or dairy product let us know. Get in touch if we have not discussed this with you.
  • Please bring a list of current medicines to the appointment.
  • We suggest that you wear a comfortable top / shirt with no metals.
What if I am pregnant or breast-feeding?

Due to radiation risk to unborn child this scan should not be done if you are pregnant. If you know that you are pregnant, or there is any chance that you may be pregnant, contact the department on following numbers. Your scan will need to be postponed. Also let us know if you are breast-feeding. We have special instructions for you:

Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle: 01228 814701
West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven: 01946 523456

What will happen?

Your Meal

You will be asked to eat a standard meal with a small amount of radioactive tracer. This is so that we can track the meal through your stomach. This meal may consists of scrambled eggs, bread, and butter. The radioactive tracer will not make it taste funny. You will not feel any different. You will need to eat this meal as quickly as you can.

Your Scan

The scan is done using a hybrid scanner called SPECT/CT system. It has 2 camera head detectors and a CT scanner. You will be asked to stand in front of the camera for 1 minute after finishing your meal. We will take a 1 minute picture every 15 minutes. This will be done for for 1½ hours. You can sit in the waiting area in between the pictures. You will not be allowed to eat or drink anything until the scan has finished. You are welcome to bring a book or something to do as there is quite a lot of waiting.

After Scan

When your scan is finished you can continue all your normal activities. Unless you have been advised not to.

A tiny amount of radioactivity will still be left in your body. This will not be any risk to other people around you. The radioactivity will break down on its own. For the rest of the day we suggest that you:

  1. Drink plenty of liquids. This will help clear the radioactivity quicker
Travelling Abroad

It is perfectly safe for you to travel abroad after your scan. Many airports and seaports have very sensitive radiation detectors. It is possible that the very small amount of radioactivity left in your body could set off an alarm as you go through security. If you are travelling abroad within 1 week after your scan, it will be helpful to take with you something to explain that you have recently had a this scan. This can be your appointment letter or some other official confirmation from the department where you had your scan.

Your Results 

A nuclear medicine physician / radiologist will report your DAT scan. The report will be sent to the doctor who asked for your scan. Not to your GP. Unless your GP asked for the scan. This is because the doctor who asked for your scan will have all the results from other tests. They will be able to tell you how the result of your DAT scan affects your care plan.

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302