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Gastric Emptying Time After Oral Sodium Acetate — Breath Test

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

Measures how quickly food leaves your stomach by tracking carbon-13 in breath after oral sodium acetate and a standardized meal.

Quick summary

["This breath test estimates how long food takes to leave your stomach and can help evaluate symptoms such as nausea, bloating, and early fullness."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
48585-4
Short code
NM ExG GE time p 100mg Na acetate PO
Synonyms
NM ExG GE time p 100mg Na acetate PO
Category
liver
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
nm
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

This is a breath test that estimates how quickly your stomach empties food. You drink a solution containing carbon-13-labeled sodium acetate, usually with a standardized meal, and breath samples are collected over time.

Why might I need this test?

It may be ordered for persistent nausea, vomiting, bloating, upper-abdominal discomfort, or feeling full after only a small amount of food. It can also help assess possible gastric emptying problems, including gastroparesis, and may be used during monitoring of certain treatments.

How is the test performed?

Breath is collected before you drink the test solution, and additional samples are collected at scheduled times while the meal and solution pass through your stomach. The amount of carbon-13 in each sample is measured and used to calculate your gastric emptying pattern.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the laboratory's instructions about fasting, medications, smoking, and exercise. The clinic may ask you to fast before the test and to consume only the provided standardized meal during the measurement period.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Gastric Emptying Breath Test

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as an upper endoscopy?
No. This test uses breath samples to estimate how quickly food leaves the stomach and does not require an endoscope.
Does the test require a blood draw?
Usually, no. It is generally performed by collecting breath samples before and after you drink the labeled sodium acetate solution.
What if I feel nauseated during the test?
Tell the test staff if you feel sick, vomit, or cannot keep the solution down because this may affect the accuracy of the measurement.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy