Labelled leukocyte scintigraphy
Labelled leukocyte scintigraphy is a nuclear imaging scan performed to visualize sites of infection or inflammation.
At Nukleomed, this test is carried out using technetium-99m labelled antibodies to human leukocyte antigens.
Contraindications:
Pregnancy and breast feeding.
Patients who took drugs containing mouse protein for diagnostics or treatment purposes, should be tested for HAMA before undergoing labelled leukocyte scintigraphy.
How should I prepare for the scan?
- No special patient preparation is required, fasting before the scan isn’t necessary.
- Please bring your medical records to the appointment with you. Comparing the labelled leukocyte scintigraphic images to the previous medical imaging records (such as tomography, MRI, ultrasound, scintigraphy etc.) will facilitate the scan results interpretation.
How is the scan performed?
- The patient will have to visit our clinic twice: according to the scan protocol, images are obtained 1, 4 and 24 h after the intravenous tracer injection. The scan is performed in the supine position. Scintigraphic images include both the area of interest and whole body. Recording each series of images takes about 20 minutes. Sometimes Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) is additionally performed to specify localization of the pathologic changes.
What do I need to do after the scan?
- void contact with children and pregnant women for 24 h,
- increase fluid intake to speed up tracer elimination,
