Meckels Scan

What is the purpose of a meckels scan?
The meckels scan makes it possible for physicians to look for problems involving your gastrointestinal tract.

How is the meckels scan performed?
You will be given a shot of a radioactive material in the vein of your arm. You will then lie on a table with your arms over your head. Two separate cameras will take images of your abdominal area from above and below the table. It is very important that you do not move while pictures are being taken.

After the pictures are taken, the nuclear medicine physician will decide if any more pictures are needed. If more pictures are needed, they will be taken at this time. After all photos are completed, you may leave. The entire exam will take about one hour and 30 minutes to perform.

How do I prepare for the meckels scan?
You may not have anything by mouth for four hours before the scan. Sometimes the test is improved with medication. Your physician will decide if this is necessary.

How will I feel after I have a meckels scan?
The radioactive shot will have no effect on how you feel.

How soon will my doctor get the results?
After the procedure is complete, a nuclear medicine physician will study the pictures along with your medical history to make an assessment of what the photos show. He will then dictate a report that will be forwarded to your physician within five to seven business days. Sometimes the ordering physician is notified immediately, while the patient waits.

How do I make an appointment?
Your doctor will write an order or prescription for the test. The doctor will either give you the order or have it faxed to the hospital. You may then schedule your appointment by calling the Nuclear Medicine Department at 847-723-5050.

If I still have questions, who should I call?
For more information about the procedure, please call the Nuclear Medicine Department at 847-723-5050.