Meckel’s Scan – Accurate Detection of Meckel’s Diverticulum
A Meckel’s Scan is a specialized nuclear medicine imaging test used to detect Meckel’s diverticulum, a congenital abnormality where a small pouch forms in the wall of the small intestine. This condition can cause bleeding, infection, abdominal pain, or intestinal obstruction, especially in children and young adults. At DIFI Healthcare, we utilize advanced gamma camera systems and Technetium-99m (Tc-99m) tracers to provide highly accurate and safe imaging results. Our nuclear medicine experts ensure precise detection of Meckel’s diverticulum to help guide timely treatment and prevent complications.
Preparation Guidelines for a Meckel’s Scan Key Benefits of a Meckel’s Scan
Purpose of a Meckel’s Scan
To achieve the most accurate results, follow these simple guidelines before your scan:
- Fasting: Avoid eating or drinking for 4–6 hours before the procedure.
- Medications: Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially antacids, laxatives, or drugs that affect stomach acid.
- For Children: Sedation is rarely required, but the staff ensures a comfortable environment for young patients.
- Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Inform the medical team if you are pregnant or nursing, as special precautions may be needed.
- Hydration: Drink water after the scan to help eliminate the tracer naturally.
Key Benefits of a Meckel’s Scan
- Accurate Detection: Pinpoints the exact location of Meckel’s diverticulum.
- Non-Invasive & Safe: Uses a small, safe dose of radioactive tracer with no major side effects.
- Early Diagnosis: Detects bleeding sources and congenital abnormalities early, aiding in faster treatment.
- Quick & Painless Procedure: Comfortable and well-tolerated, even for children.
- Guides Surgical Planning: Helps doctors plan corrective surgery or further treatment effectively.
Purpose of a Meckel’s Scan
A Meckel’s Scan is performed to confirm the presence and location of a Meckel’s diverticulum and to detect related complications. Doctors often recommend this test when a patient experiences:
- Unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding (especially in children)
- Abdominal pain or tenderness
- Recurrent intestinal obstruction
- Suspected congenital abnormalities of the small intestine
- Symptoms not explained by other tests (like endoscopy or ultrasound)
- The scan helps visualize ectopic gastric mucosa (stomach tissue) present in the diverticulum, which often causes ulceration and bleeding.
How a Meckel’s Scan is Performed
- A small dose of Technetium-99m pertechnetate is injected into a vein in your arm.
- The tracer travels through the bloodstream and is absorbed by gastric mucosa (stomach tissue), including any present in a Meckel’s diverticulum.
- A gamma camera captures images of the abdomen for about 30–60 minutes to track the tracer’s movement.
- The nuclear medicine specialist analyzes the images to detect abnormal tracer uptake, indicating the presence of a diverticulum.
- The test is completely painless and safe, with minimal discomfort.
After the Scan
- You can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure.
- Drink plenty of fluids to flush out the tracer from your body.
- The radioactive material used is harmless and leaves the body within 24 hours through urine.
Book Your Meckel’s Scan at DIFI Healthcare
- Detect Meckel’s diverticulum accurately with a Meckel’s Scan at DIFI Healthcare.
- Our expert nuclear medicine team ensures precise diagnosis, safe procedures, and compassionate care for patients of all ages.
- Call us now or book your Meckel’s Scan online at www.difi.in