Milk Scan
Information for patients
Nuclear medicine is the use of small amounts of radioactive materials to gain images for diagnosis or treatment of various conditions or diseases. Images are created by administering a radioactive compound (“tracer”) which targets a particular region of interest. All tests are safe and non-invasive
Unlike other scanning methods such as: X-rays, nuclear medicine test provides information about physiology and function.
Your doctor has requested a milk scan for your child and in this leaflet we describe what is involved.
Please read through everything very carefully.
What is this study going to show?
The purpose of this study is to obtain pictures of your child’s Stomach and to see how well it is emptying. This will help your doctor diagnose your child’s condition and give you appropriate treatment.
Please allow approximately 4hours for the study.
Is the radioactivity harmful?
Your test will involve the use of a small amount of ionising radiation (similar to a CT scan) and the risk associated with this is low. The main benefit of the test is making the correct diagnosis, so you can get the treatment that is right for you. This benefit is far greater than the small risk of radiation.
Preparing for the study
We need your child to be Nil by Mouth for at least 4hours before you arrive to the department. This includes any solids or liquids. We also require you to bring ALL equipment required to feed your child if they are not fed orally.
If your child is on any mediation for the stomach please contact the department as they may need to be stopped for the test.
What does the study involve?
Radioactive Tracer Administration
For this test your child will not be required to have an injection. The radioactive tracer is administered in to the milk and your child will drink the milk helping to highlight the stomach. There are no side-effects and your child will not feel any different. We anticipate that the milk is given within 5-10minutes as it is crucial to be able to capture the milk in the stomach before it begins to empty.
Waiting Period
Once the milk has been administered, your child will be placed on the camera bed to start the scan immediately.
Milk Scan
The scan will take pictures for the duration of an hour. You are allowed to stay with your child throughout the test. We can also happy to put on a DVD for your child to help pass the time.
You may also be required to come back for some delayed pictures at 2 & 4 hours after the initial feed. Between the delayed imaging you do not need to stay in the department you can go out.
Please remember your child can NOT eat or drink until the entire test is finished.
How long does the test take?
Your visit to the hospital may require you to be around for 4 hours.
Further information
Please do not hesitate to ask a member of staff in the department if you have any questions.
Alternatively, you can contact the booking office on 020 3315 8415
If your child is currently on any medication please continue having them other than any stomach medications, in which case you must contact the department before the test. If possible please bring you list of medications with you.
Can I bring a friend with me?
Yes, although some parts of your test may require your friend to sit outside the examination room. Please do NOT bring children or pregnant women (unless the test is for the child).
What measures I have to take?
We advise patients to drink plenty of fluids to flush the remaining radioactivity out of the body. You may then resume a normal diet unless advised otherwise.
What happens to the study results?
A report will be sent to your consultant doctor within two weeks. Unfortunately you will not receive results on the day of your test.
What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you believe that you may be pregnant or if you are breastfeeding it is important that you contact the department as soon as possible before your test, as it may need to be rescheduled.
Contact information
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
Nuclear Medicine Department
1st Floor, Lift Bank D (within main X-Ray department)
T: 020 3315 8415