Meckel’s Scan

Meckel's Scans are performed to determine if a particular inflammation is the cause of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Procedure

A small amount of radioactive material will be injected into a vein in your arm. You will then be positioned next to a camera that will take painless images of your abdomen for approximately one hour. A nuclear medicine doctor may order additional images including close-ups and delayed images. If additional images are needed, do not be alarmed. They are a routine part of the test.

Preparation

Adults

• Nothing to eat or drink for eight hours prior to your appointment
• You may drink enough water to take any prescribed medications

Children two to six years old

• No solid food for four hours prior to the appointment.
• Clear liquids are not restricted.

Remember to bring the written order (prescription), for this test, given to you by your doctor.

Infants and neonates

• No preparation

If this study is being performed with anesthesia, it is important to follow the preparation guidelines from your anesthesiologist.

Precautions

Patients of childbearing age should review the pregnancy and breastfeeding guidelines.