MILK SCAN
A MILK Scan
test determines whether or not your child has reflux
(food or liquid coming up from the stomach). It also
determines how much reflux your child has and how well
the stomach empties.
How is the test performed?
A
technologist will take you and your child into an exam
room. You will see a large table and camera connected to
a computer.
The nuclear
medicine technologist will ask for a bottle of your
child’s formula or will provide milk for older children.
A small amount of radionuclide will be added to the milk
(there is no taste or smell), and your child will be
asked to drink it. When your child is full, he will lie
on his back on the exam table for about 1 hour while
diagnostic information is gathered. There are no side
effects, and the radionuclide loses radioactivity within
a few hours.
The
technologist will check the pictures to make sure they
are complete before you and your child leave the
hospital.
How do I tell my child about this test?
Because you
know your child best, explain this test to your child in
a way that he will understand before you come to Heart
Institute of the Caribbean. The staff also will explain
the procedure to you and your child before and during
the test.
Will it hurt?
For many
children, the most important thing to know is whether or
not this test will hurt. Assure your child that although
there may be some discomfort, it will only last a few
minutes. Remind your child that this test is being done
to help the doctor find out how her body is working
inside. By talking about the test with your child, you
may help her be more comfortable during the test, which
will make the procedure easier for your child and you.
There are no injections used for this procedure.
Does my child have to do anything different before the
test?
Your
child’s stomach needs to be empty for the test, so she
may not eat or drink anything, including water, for a
number of hours before the test, depending on her age. A
Heart Institute of the Caribbean staff member or your
child’s doctor will tell you how long your child will
have to fast.
After the
test, your child may return to normal eating routines.
The test itself usually takes 90 minutes. If your
child’s stomach is slow to empty, the test will take
longer.
If your
child drinks formula from a bottle or has special diet
needs, please bring a full bottle of formula with you
for the test.
Children
under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or
legal guardian.
What can my child expect after the test?
Your child
may resume normal activity and diet.
General radiology requirements
- Pregnant mothers:
Women who are pregnant
can’t be in the exam room. They must have
a family member or friend over the age of 18
accompany their child into the examination room
during the exam (with the exception of the
ultrasound and nuclear medicine rooms).
- Family or friends under the age of 18 years
old: If you are not the patient and under
the age of 18 years old you will not be allowed
to remain in the radiology exam room during the
exam.
- Siblings: Siblings are not allowed in the
radiology room while the exam is being performed
(with the exception of the ultrasound rooms).
Please make arrangements to have an adult
accompany them in the waiting room.
- Attire: Children wearing clothing with
snaps or buttons will need to change into
hospital attire. Any item such as jewelry,
undergarments with metal, or EKG patches in
affected area will be removed prior to the exam.
General
radiology NPO
(nothing by
mouth)
guidelines
Age
>12 months 4 Hours NPO
0-12 months 3 Hours NPO
No sedation
is needed for a Milk Scan.