Gastric Alimetry

Gastric alimetry is a novel, radiation free, non-invasive diagnostic test that provides unique insights into stomach function by measuring gastric electrophysiology and correlating it with real-time symptoms. This allows further phenotyping and thus more targeted therapeutic options.

The test involves placing a sticky patch of sensors and a recording device onto the skin overlaying the stomach. The gastric alimetry device is able to read the activity of the stomach through a technology called body surface gastric mapping (BSGM). The data allows doctors to see patterns that may relate to various symptoms. During the test, you will record your symptoms into an app, which gives doctors a clearer understanding of your symptom experience. There is an optional wellbeing survey included in the test which allows your clinician to gain a more comprehensive understanding of your experience.

You will sit in a comfortable reclined position for the duration of the test. You will be able to get up to use the toilet or take a comfort break if necessary. The entire test takes around 5 hours to set up and run.

You are able to read or use an electronic device during the test. However, you will be asked to limit your movement and to avoid talking or sleeping during the test.

After the test is complete, a report is generated from the data collected during the test. Your clinician will interpret it and share the results with you.

There may be some mild redness of the skin due to exfoliation. Some patients may also notice a mild itch or rash.

To help you prepare for your procedure a copy of key information is provided here for you to download and print.

• We advise you to apply to your insurance company for prior approval before your admission.
• Bring your health insurance prior approval letter to your appointment.
• With the exception of Southern Cross, once your account has been finalised, we will forward your invoice to your insurance company.
• If you do not have medical insurance or prior approval from your medical insurance, we will advise you of total cost of your procedure and full payment will be required on the day of your testing.

Patients with chronic ( > 3 months) unexplained upper gastrointestinal symptoms such as:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Epigastric (upper stomach) pain
• Epigastric burning
• Early satiety (feeling full quickly)
• Post-prandial fullness (uncomfortable fullness after meals)
• Bloating (upper abdominal)

Patients who meet diagnostic criteria for:

• Chronic Nausea and Vomiting Syndrome (CNVS)
• Suspected Gastroparesis
• Functional Dyspepsia (Rome IV criteria for Epigastric Pain Syndrome or Postprandial Distress Syndrome)

Patients with persistent, unexplained upper GI symptoms after upper GI surgery known to potentially alter stomach function (e.g. fundoplication, sleeve gastrectomy, esophagectomy with gastric pull-up).

Patients where vagal nerve injury is suspected as a cause of gastric symptoms (e.g., post-thoracic transplant surgery, certain extensive upper abdominal surgeries, diabetes).

After initial investigations have not yielded a diagnosis or adequate explanation for symptoms. This typically includes:

• Upper GI endoscopy (to rule out structural lesions like ulcers, inflammation, or malignancy).
• Exclusion of other common causes (e.g., H. pylori, celiac disease if relevant).

To help differentiate potential underlying mechanisms contributing to symptoms, such as:

• Gastric myoelectrical dysfunction (problems with the stomach's "pacemaker" or electrical signaling).
• Suspected visceral hypersensitivity or altered gut-brain interaction (where symptoms correlate strongly with normal or subtle physiological changes).
• To obtain objective, physiological data to complement symptom reporting, especially in complex cases or where symptom reporting is variable.
• To potentially refine diagnosis and guide more targeted treatment strategies based on identified physiological phenotypes.

This test offers a complementary diagnostic tool, providing information that other tests may not. It is particularly valuable in patients with persistent, unexplained symptoms where standard investigations have been unrevealing.