Meckel's Study (child)

What is this study going to show?

The purpose of this study is to detect the presence of a small area in your bowel that contains stomach tissue that may cause internal bleeding in your gut. This will help the doctor make a diagnosis, and give your child the appropriate treatment as required.

What does the study involve?

On arrival, an anaesthetic cream will be applied to a vein in your child's arm or hand. Approximately 30-60 minutes later a radioactive injection will be given into that vein.. The scan will commence 10 minutes later. For this your child will lie on a couch and 4 pictures (each of 3 minutes duration) will be taken of the abdomen using a gamma camera. In order to get good pictures, your child will have to remain still. The imaging session is repeated at 20, 40 and 60 minutes after the injection. Removal of clothing is not required.

Can I bring somebody with me?

We would prefer that not more than one person accompany your child. It is advisable not to have a pregnant woman or another small child with you, to avoid exposing them to unnecessary radiation.

Is any preparation required?

If possible, your child will need to fast from midnight. He/she may drink water if thirsty. Your child may take any prescribed medication as normal.

Will it hurt?

Your child may feel a slight pinprick from the injection needle. Our doctors will be available during your child's stay in the department to answer any queries and to provide medical cover in case of any side effect from the injection we give (please note that side effects are extremely rare).

Is the radioactivity injected harmful?

The amount of radioactivity given in this study is strictly within the recommended national level. We reduce the dose given to your child according to his/her weight. The benefit to your child from a diagnosis of his/her condition outweighs the risk (negligible) of any harm associated with the radiation he/she will receive.

What happens after the study?

Your child may eat as normal. The more fluid he/she drinks the better, as the radioactivity is passed out in the urine. No extra precautions need to be taken when passing urine.

What happens to the study result?

The Nuclear Medicine doctor will report on the study and the result will be sent to the doctor who requested the study. He/she will be able to discuss the results with you in relation to other tests your child may have had.