Meckel’s scan Factsheet
Introduction
A Meckel’s diverticulum is a small pouch or bulge of tissue that can develop in the intestines. It is a congenital abnormality, a difference in how an organ develops during pregnancy.
Some children with Meckel’s diverticulum develop symptoms like ulcers and blockages, which can lead to severe illness and infection. If this happens, the Meckel’s diverticulum must be removed.
A Meckel’s scan is used to diagnose a Meckel’s diverticulum. It uses:
- a Gamma camera – a large camera that measures radiation
- radiotracer- a small amount of radioactive fluid that moves through the body.
The gamma camera shows the radiotracer moving through the blood and into the stomach tissue.
Before the scan
Your child’s treatment team will give you information about fasting. Your child must fast nil by mouth, which means no food or drink for four hours before the scan.
Your child will be weighed to help calculate the correct amount of radiotracer.
The risks of radiation and allergic reactions are very low. Let your child’s treatment team know if they have any allergies.
Talk to your child's doctor or treatment team if you have any concerns or questions.
Numbing cream
Needles can be uncomfortable for children. Numbing cream can be used on children over two years old
If your child needs numbing cream, you will need to:
- ask for it before the day of the scan
- arrive 30 minutes early to the appointment so it has time to work.
During the scan
Your child will not feel anything during the scan, and the camera will not touch them.
The test takes about 1.5 hours; you can stay with your child.
Generally, the steps of the scan are:
- your child will lie on the scanning bed
- a blanket with velcro straps may be used to help keep your child still
- a small amount of radiotracer will be injected into your child’s vein
- over 60 minutes, the camera will take images of your child’s belly and pelvis.
SPECT-CT and CT scans
Some children may need extra scans. These can include:
- single-photon emission computerised tomography (SPECT-CT) scan
A scan used to take 3D pictures to see the organs better. It takes 20 minutes to complete.
A scan that uses X-rays to take a detailed picture of inside the body. It takes two minutes to complete. Parents and carers must leave the room for this scan because of the X-rays.
After the scan
You can leave once the results are checked by a doctor or nuclear medicine scientist.
The results will be sent to your child’s doctor within a couple of days. You will need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your child’s doctor to discuss the results.
Management
Radiation
Your child will be exposed to a small amount of radiation during the scan. The benefits of finding and treating kidney problems are greater than the small risk of this low dose.
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions to radiotracer are very rare and usually mild. Your child’s doctor will talk to you about any potential risks before the scan. Let your child’s treatment team know if they have any allergies.
Supporting your child during the scan
Scans can be stressful for children. You can help by:
- explaining why the test is needed and how it works in simple words
- bringing comfort items like a blanket, toy, or dummy
- asking the treatment team about support from Child Life Therapy services
- arriving 30 minutes early if using numbing cream.
