Childen's Hospital Boston 300 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 355-6000
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My Child Has:
Gastroesophageal Reflux Study (Gastric Emptying Study)
Programs that perform this test
Nuclear Medicine/PET Division  
What is a Gastroesophageal Reflux Study (Gastric Emptying Study)?
A Gastroesophageal Reflux Study (Gastric Emptying Study) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that measures the time it takes the stomach to empty and detects gastroesophageal reflux.
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Why would my doctor request a Gastroesophageal Reflux Study (Gastric Emptying Study)?
This study can help:

  • Detect gastroesophageal reflux
  • Measure gastric emptying time
  • Detect aspiration
  • Evaluate a reason for nausea and vomiting
  • Evaluate why a child is not gaining weight
  • Assess why a child is having abdominal pain
    • How to prepare for this study?
    You/your child can not eat or drink anything 4 hours prior to the examination. It is important not to have had a barium study within 48 hours prior. If you/your child are fed through a gastric tube, please bring the formula you use with you. If your child is bottle fed, please bring your infant's formula with you. Your child may bring a security blanket/toy with them for the procedure. We have various videos or DVDs to choose from for your child to watch during the procedure or you can bring one from home.
    How is a Gastroesophageal Reflux Study (Gastric Emptying Study) performed?
    You will be greeted by one of our technologists who will explain to you and your child what will happen during the examination. You/your child's referring physician will determine if the study should be liquid or solid. If you/your child have allergies to either eggs or milk, please call you/your child's doctor. The technologist will add a small amount of a radiopharmaceutical called Technetium-99m Sulfur Colloid to either scrambled eggs (if a solid study) or to formula/milk (if liquid study). The radiopharmaceutical is tasteless. It is important that the test food or liquid is consumed within 10 minutes. When eating is complete, imaging will begin for one hour. It is important that you/your child remain as still as possible during the images for the best quality images.
    What can be expected during the procedure?
    Although the camera may appear large and intimidating, it does not touch you/your child.
    What happens after the study?
    Once the study is complete, it will be evaluated for quality. If there was too much motion, the study may need to be repeated. If there was no motion, you/your child will be free to leave and resume normal activity.
    How are the results of the study obtained?
    The images will be processed and then the nuclear medicine physician will evaluate and interpret the study and promptly inform you/your child's referring physician of the results.
    How can additional information be obtained?
    For more information about Nuclear Medicine/PET, please contact us at:

    Division of Nuclear Medicine/PET
    Children's Hospital Boston
    300 Longwood Avenue, Pavilion 2
    Boston, MA 02115
    Main Number: 617-355-7010
    Fax Number: 617-730-0623
    Business hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

    How is an appointment scheduled?
    To schedule an appointment please contact your referring physician as their office must schedule it for you. If you currently have an appointment and need to reschedule or are unable to make the appointment, please call us at least 48 hours in advance at 617-355-7010.
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