What Do Clear Stool Markers Indicate Despite Being Diagnosed With Gastroparesis?

Posted on Thu, 22 Feb 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 22 Feb 2018 Answered on

Wed, 10 Oct 2018 Last reviewed on

Question : iI have been tested for gastroparesis and had a positive gastric empying test. I also had a SITZ mark test. The first XRAY on day 4 showed a few scattered stool markers mostly in the left colon. The XRAY on day 7 showed the markers had totally cleared. What is the interpretation of this test? I am not constipated. I poop every day and I did not take laxatives or enemas while doing the test. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:

Your colon transit time is perfectly normal.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Have read the description given by you,
As per protocol If over 80% of the markers are passed by day 7, colonic transit is not grossly abnormal.In lay man term it means that your colonic transit time is normal.

For your information as per books after 6 days-

-If 5% or less markers remain, patient has grossly normal colonic transit.
-If most rings are scattered about the colon, patient most likely has hypomotility or coIonic inertia.
-If most rings are gathered in the rectosigmoid, patient has functional outlet obstruction.

You fall in category one so your test is normal.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (2 hours later)

Thank you very much. I thought it was normal but was not sure. This has been a load off of my mind

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:

Follow up.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

If satisfied please do rate the answer after closing the forum.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Ramesh Kumar, Gastroenterologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad