Screening and diagnosis

There are several diagnostic tools and tests which can determine the exact nature of this condition. Some tests check specifically for signs of the disorder; others rule out the conditions that cause similar symptoms. A patient’s medical history may also help clarify the cause of gastroparesis.

Some of these tests are:

Blood tests - to check blood counts and measure chemical and electrolyte levels

Gastric emptying diagnostic tools
Gastric emptying studies are usually considered the most accurate way to diagnose gastroparesis. In the most common test, patient is eating a meal in which a solid food contains a small amount of radioactive material, after which a scanner which is made to detect the radiation is placed over the abdomen to monitor the rate at which food leaves the stomach.

Gastro-duodenal manometry
A doctor puts a pressure-sensitive plastic tube down a patient’s throat and into stomach and small intestine. The tube is connected to a computer that monitors
 

• the strength;
• frequency and
• coordination of muscle contractions.

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy
This test is used to rule out other conditions that can cause delayed gastric emptying. During the test, the patient is swallowing a tube with a tiny camera that allows the doctor to scan stomach and small intestine for obstructions.

Electro-gastrogram
Electrical signals control the muscle contractions in your stomach. Electro-gastrogram, is an experimental procedure that records the electrical signals in the stomach before and after eating. 

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
This imaging technique tool uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to produce the cross-sectional images of the patient’s body. It is used to diagnose a broad range of conditions, including various cancers, but researchers are also studying the use of real-time MRI to help evaluate stomach motility.  
Sometimes, in an effort to rule out other digestive conditions, an endoscopy and ultrasound may be performed.