Gastric and Intestinal Motility Tests

Gastric and intestinal motility tests are used to evaluate how well the stomach and intestines move food through the digestive tract. The coordinated movement of these organs is essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. When the muscles or nerves controlling the digestive system do not function properly, it can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, early fullness during meals, constipation, or unexplained weight loss. Motility testing helps physicians determine whether these symptoms are caused by delayed or abnormal movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract. By identifying these functional problems, specialists can recommend appropriate treatments and dietary modifications to improve digestive health.

Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy

Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy is considered the gold standard test for evaluating how quickly food leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine. During this test, the patient consumes a small meal that contains a safe, very low level of radioactive material. A specialized imaging device then tracks the movement of the meal through the stomach over a period of time, usually several hours.

This test allows doctors to measure the rate of gastric emptying and determine whether the stomach is functioning normally. It is particularly useful for diagnosing gastroparesis, a condition in which the stomach empties more slowly than normal due to impaired muscle function or nerve control. Gastroparesis can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount of food.

Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy can also identify rapid gastric emptying, sometimes referred to as dumping syndrome, where food moves too quickly from the stomach into the small intestine. By accurately measuring gastric emptying times, this test helps physicians select the most appropriate medical, dietary, or therapeutic interventions to manage the patient’s symptoms and improve digestive function.