Which organ receives the highest dose during Tc sulfur colloid gastric emptying studies?

• A. Liver
• B. Kidneys
• C. Stomach
• D. Bone marrow

Answer: (C)

In Tc sulfur colloid gastric emptying studies, the stomach receives the highest dose because this organ is the primary site of interest for assessing the gastric emptying function. The radiopharmaceutical, which is sulfur colloid labeled with technetium-99m, is specifically administered to track its movement through the gastric system.

As the study evaluates how quickly food or liquid leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine, the highest concentration of the radioactive material will be present in the stomach during the imaging process. This results in a higher dose of radiation being absorbed by the gastric tissues compared to other organs involved in the study.

The liver, kidneys, and bone marrow absorb radiation, but they do not experience the same exposure level as the stomach during this specific procedure, as the focus is on the gastric emptying rate and not the functioning of those other organs. Thus, the stomach is validated as the organ receiving the highest dose in this context.