Childen's Hospital Boston 300 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 355-6000
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My Child Has:
Meckel's Diverticulum Scan
Programs that perform this procedure
Nuclear Medicine/PET Division  
What is a Meckel's Diverticulum Scan?
Meckel's Diverticulum is an outpouching of the small intestine that sometimes contains gastric mucosa which in turn can cause local ulcers and bleeding. A Meckel's scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure that detects the abnormally-located gastric mucosa within the diverticulum.
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Why would my doctor request a Meckel's Diverticulum Scan?
A Meckel's Diverticulum Scan may be helpful to assess:

  • Rectal Bleeding
    • How to prepare for a Meckel's Diverticulum Scan?
    It is important that you/your child does not have anything to eat or drink four hours prior to a Meckel's scan. It is also important that you/your child have not had a Barium study within 48 hours prior to a Meckel's scan. Your child may bring a security blanket/toy with them to hold during the procedure. We have various videos or DVDs to choose from for your child to watch during the procedure or you can bring one from home.
    How is a Meckel's Diverticulum Scan performed?
    You will be greeted by one of our technologists who will explain to you/your child what will happen during the examination. A small amount of a radiopharmaceutical called Technetium-99m will be injected into one of your/your child's veins and imaging will begin immediately. Imaging will continue for 30 minutes. It is important that you/your child remain as still as possible during the imaging.
    What can be expected during the procedure?
    You/your child may experience some discomfort associated with the insertion of the intravenous needle. The needle used for the procedure is small. Once the radiopharmaceutical is injected, the needle is withdrawn and a gauze bandage with adhesive tape is placed over the site of the injection. The area where the injection was given may be a little sore.

    Although the camera may appear large and intimidating, it does not touch you/your child.

    What happens after the study?
    Once the study is complete, it will be evaluated for quality. If there was too much motion, the study may need to be repeated. If there was no motion, you/your child will be free to leave and resume normal activity.
    How are the results of the study obtained?
    The images will be processed and then the nuclear medicine physician will evaluate and interpret the study and promptly inform you/your child's referring physician of the results.
    How can additional information be obtained?
    For more information about Nuclear Medicine/PET, please contact us at:

    Division of Nuclear Medicine/PET
    Children's Hospital Boston
    300 Longwood Avenue, Pavilion 2
    Boston, MA 02115
    Main Number: 617-355-7010
    Fax Number: 617-730-0623
    Business hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

    How is an appointmet scheduled?
    To schedule an appointment please contact your referring physician as their office must schedule it for you. If you currently have an appointment and need to reschedule or are unable to make the appointment, please call us at least 48 hours in advance at 617-355-7010.
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    which can only be given to you by your personal health care professional.
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