Gastric Emptying and Colonic Transit Study
Information for patients
Nuclear medicine is the use of small amounts of radioactive materials to gain images for diagnosis or treatment of various conditions or diseases. Images are created by administering a radioactive compound (“tracer”) which targets a particular region of interest. All tests are safe and non-invasive
Unlike other scanning methods such as X-rays, nuclear medicine test provides information about physiology and function.
Your doctor has requested a Gastric Emptying and Colonic Transit Study for you and in this leaflet we describe what is involved.
Please read through everything very carefully.
What is this study going to show?
The purpose of this study is to obtain pictures showing the function of your stomach and colon and how quickly they empty. This will help your doctor diagnose your condition and give you appropriate treatment.
Please allow approximately 6.5 hours for the study.
Is the radioactivity harmful?
Your test will involve the use of a small amount of ionising radiation (similar to a CT scan) and the risk associated with this is low. The main benefit of the test is making the correct diagnosis, so you can get the treatment that is right for you. This benefit is far greater than the small risk of radiation.
Preparing for the study
It is essential that your stomach is empty when we start this investigation so you must have nothing to eat or drink from midnight (the evening before the scan).
Certain medications need to be stopped before the test to get accurate results. Please confirm the medications you are taking when you call the department to confirm your appointment. This includes laxatives.
What does the study involve?
Radioactive Tracer Administration
At the beginning of the study we will add a small amount of radioactive tracer to a meal that will be provided to you. You may bring your own meal with you if you prefer. Please contact us to discuss what would be appropriate.
Imaging Procedure
Before the scan you will be required to remove any items of jewellery or metal objects from your abdominal area.
To obtain images of your abdomen, you will be asked to stand in between 2 gamma cameras. We will take 1 picture every 30 minutes for 2 hours. Each picture takes 1 minute. You will then be asked to return for more pictures later that afternoon, as well as the following morning at 9am and the following afternoon at 3pm.
Waiting Period
You may leave the department between the times the pictures are taken and you may eat and drink normally from the time the technologist informs you but you may not take any laxatives, enemas or colonic irrigation until the study is completed.
Please let the team know in advance about any food allergies that you have.
How long does the test take?
Your stay with us will be about 6.5 hours. You will have time in between to leave the department if you wish to.
Further information
Please do not hesitate to ask a member of staff in the department if you have any questions.
Alternatively, you can contact the booking office on 020 3315 8415
If possible please bring you list of medications with you.
Can I bring a friend with me?
Yes, although some parts of your test may require your friend to sit outside the examination room. Please do NOT bring children or pregnant women (unless the test is for the child).
What measures I have to take?
We advise patients to drink plenty of fluids to flush the remaining radioactivity out of the body. You may then resume a normal diet unless advised otherwise. As you will be slightly radioactive for 24 hours after your injection we may advise you to avoid close and prolonged contact with pregnant women and small children.
What happens to the study results?
A report will be sent to your consultant doctor within two weeks. Unfortunately you will not receive results on the day of your test.
What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you believe that you may be pregnant or if you are breastfeeding it is important that you contact the department as soon as possible before your test, as it may need to be rescheduled.
Contact information
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
Nuclear Medicine Department
1st Floor, Lift Bank D (within main X-Ray department)
T: 020 3315 8415