General

Synonym/Acronym:
ectopic gastric mucosa scan, Meckel scan, Meckel scintigraphy.

Rationale
To assess, evaluate, and diagnose the cause of abdominal pain and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Patient Preparation
There are no activity or medication restrictions unless by medical direction. Instruct the patient to fast and refrain from fluids for 8 hr prior to the procedure. Instruct the patient to take a histamine blocker, as ordered, 2 days before the study to block gastrointestinal (GI) secretion.

Regarding the patient’s risk for bleeding, the patient should be instructed to avoid taking natural products and medications with known anticoagulant, antiplatelet, or thrombolytic properties or to reduce dosage, as ordered, prior to the procedure. Number of days to withhold medication is dependent on the type of anticoagulant. Note the last time and dose of medication taken. Protocols may vary among facilities.

Normal Findings

• Normal distribution of radionuclide by gastric mucosa at normal sites.

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions
N/A