Author: rad40

Can the patient take any steps to protect against radiation?
If you have had a nuclear medicine scan in the recent past inform the staff member to ensure that tests are not duplicated unnecessarily.
The following precautions need to be observed for 24 hours after your bone scan: Patients should drink plenty of fluids and empty their bladders frequently. This helps to clear the injected material from the body. Patients should observe careful hygiene when going to the toilet during this period. It is advisable to flush the toilet twice after use.
It is recommended that patients avoid spending long periods of time (in excess of 30 mins) in close contact with young children or pregnant women.
If you are a nursing mother express and discard the breast milk for 24 hours after your injection. You may resume normal breast-feeding after this time.
Important information
Young children and pregnant women should not accompany patients to Nuclear medicine.
If there is any chance you may be pregnant, please inform the nuclear medicine department prior to your appointment. 01 809 2792 .

Directions (Beaumont Hospital)
The Nuclear Medicine department is located in the radiology department, on the lower ground floor of the hospital. Please check in at the main x-ray reception desk on arrival.
Who do I contact if I am unable to attend?
Please contact Emma on 01 809 2792 if you wish to reschedule your appointment
Nuclear Medicine
Radiology Department
Beaumont Hospital
Dublin 9.
Tel: 01 809 2792
Fax:(01) 8092576
Web site: www.beaumont.ie

Date Issued: August 2021
Review date: August 2023
Author(s): Radiography Management Team
Approved by: Imaging and Interventional Radiology Directorate Team

#
Beaumont Hospital
Imaging and Interventional Radiology
Directorate
MECKELS SCAN
Patient Information

Welcome to the
Nuclear Medicine
Department

Introduction
A Nuclear Medicine meckels scan has been requested for you and this leaflet explains what the scan involves and what you need to do to prepare for your scan.
What is radiation?
Radiation is a form of electrical and magnetic disturbance that transports energy. For example it is radiation that brings energy to us from the sun.
What is a Nuclear Medicine Meckels scan? This is an investigation in which pictures of your bowel will be taken with a gamma camera after you have received a small injection of an Isotope preparation. You will be injected with the isotope through a needle in your arm whilst lying on the gamma camera. The scan will begin immediately after the injection has been administered to you.
What is a gamma camera?
A gamma camera detects radiation coming from your body and forms a picture using sophisticated computer programmes. The camera consists of a flat detector which passes over the abdomen.

Do I need to prepare for the scan?
Please fast from midnight the night before. You may drink water only.
How will the injection affect me?
You should not feel any different after your injection. The procedure will not affect your ability to drive and you do not need someone to accompany you unless you so wish.
What will happen during the scan?
You may need to undress for your scan and you will be asked to remove metal objects such as keys, coins, belt from your person prior to the scan. Your scan will be done lying down on the gamma camera. The scan will take approximately 1 hour to complete.

Will I receive much radiation?
No. The amount of radiation you receive is very small and the risks are low. The radiation dose you receive from this scan is similar to that which you would receive from your environment over a period of 1 to 2 years. Your doctor will have weighed the benefit of improved diagnosis of your condition against the small risk of the radiation exposure.
How does a nuclear medicine scan differ from an X-ray?
Nuclear Medicine patients are administered substances that emit radiation and which enable staff to investigate processes that are happening in the patient’s body. The amount of radiation is similar to that used in X-ray. In Nuclear Medicine the patient is emitting radiation for a period after the substance is administered. For meckels scans the radiation can remain in the body for up to 24 hours. Your radiographer will advise you on the precautions you will need to apply after your meckels scan. These precautions should be followed for 24 hours after your scan.