Gastric emptying exams are a common occurrence in most nuclear medicine departments that rely on radiolabeling a food or liquid in order to study how the body digests food and water. Historically, gastric emptying exams have been done using Tc99m Sulfur Colloid (SC) radiolabeled eggs, two slices of bread, jelly, and water. Due to the most common indications for this study being abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, it is not always successfully completed. Pediatric patients pose additional challenges when completing the exam using the standard meal of eggs due to refusing to eat. The purpose of this study is to identify an alternative meal that may be more pleasing to pediatric patients. A literature review was done to identify alternative meals used on gastric emptying studies in the pediatric population and the clinical use of these alternative meals. It was found that cheese is an effective binding agent, and that picture quality was not diminished. In addition, Many NMTs expressed that the standard egg meal is the main cause of canceled exams and when asked if their patients would choose mac and cheese or eggs, all answered in favor of the mac and cheese with some even adding that the new alternative might lead to higher success rates. 

Madison would like to thank Crystal Botkin, Sarah Frye, and Andrew Croxford for their devoted work in nuclear medicine and constant support through the program. Their influence and dedication to their students is what has led her here today.