Meckels Scan

Meckel's Scan is a specialized nuclear medicine imaging procedure that is used to identify the presence of Meckel's diverticulum, an abnormal pouch near the lower end of the small intestine, and other ectopic gastric tissue, which means stomach tissue that is not in its usual place.Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital condition, meaning it is present at birth. It occurs in approximately 2% of the population. While it's often harmless, it can sometimes cause problems such as bleeding, ulcers, and intestinal obstruction. Meckel's Scan helps doctors to identify this diverticulum by visually assessing its shape and location. This diagnostic tool is especially valuable for patients who have unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly in children.

The procedure involves the use of a small amount of a radioactive tracer, which is injected into the bloodstream. The radioactive tracer attaches itself to the stomach lining cells, including those that might be in Meckel's diverticulum or other abnormal locations.

Home Sample Collection Process

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Book your convenient slot

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Sample Collection by Phlebotomist

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Reporting of the sample at lab

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Download Reports

Note: Home Sample Collection is only for Pathology lab tests.

Specific Instructions:

For optimal results from a Meckels Scan, patients are generally required to:

• Medications: Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking as some medications may affect the test results. Your doctor might ask you to stop certain medications before the test.
• Allergies: Please inform the medical staff if you have had any allergic reactions to iodine or any contrast material in the past.
• Clothing: You should wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothes. You might be asked to change into a hospital gown for the procedure.
• Eating and Drinking: In most cases, you will be asked to refrain from eating or drinking for 4 to 6 hours before the test.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform the healthcare staff as the test uses radioactive materials.
• The procedure usually takes place in the nuclear medicine section of a hospital.
• A small amount of a radioactive tracer is injected into a vein.
• You will be asked to lie down on a table, and a special camera called a gamma camera will take images of your abdomen.
• The procedure typically lasts for about an hour, but sometimes additional images may need to be taken later.
• It is crucial for detecting Meckel's diverticulum, especially in cases of unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding.
• It helps doctors make an informed decision about the course of treatment, which might include surgery in some cases.
• The location of Meckel's diverticulum or other ectopic gastric tissue.
• The shape and size of the Meckel's diverticulum.
• It can also sometimes reveal other abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract.

Modifiable factors:

• Medications taken before the test, particularly antacids and some pain relievers.
• Food and drink consumed before the test.
• Congenital abnormalities.