Table 3.

Comparison of different methods to assess gastric motility in humans

Diagnostic Test	Advantages	Disadvantages
Gamma camera scintigraphy	Available for clinical use, allows direct measurement of gastric motility, non-invasive.	Radiation exposure, prolonged study
Wireless pH and motility capsule	Non-invasive, direct measurement of gastric and intestinal motility	Limits patient’s activity, risk of capsule retention
Stable isotope breath tests	Non-invasive measurement, applicable for children and pregnant women	Lack of standardized meal
Magnetic resonance image	Measures multiple parameters, assesses emptying fat and water separately	Can be used in supine position, not commonly available, elevated cost, subject must hold breath during testing
Balloon measurement	Gold standard for measurement of volume	Needs intubation
SPECT	Non-invasive, rate and volume measurement simultaneously	Not widely available, only used in supine position
Manometry	Records pressure of distal stomach, pylorus, and duodenum	Invasive and painful
Acetaminophen intestinal absorption test	Non-invasive, non-expensive	Just for liquid phase of gastric emptying, need several blood draws