Nuclear Medicine

Indium WBC Tagged Blood Cells (Whole Body)

Indications:

This test is done for detection and localization of acute abscesses and intestinal disease in the abdomen.

The Procedure:

1. This scan runs for 2 to 3 days.
2. The 1st day of the exam you report to the hospital and the Nuclear Medicine Technologist will draw a blood sample. This is done early a.m. The blood sample will be sent to a special lab to be mixed with a low level radioactive material. When your blood sample returns it will be injected into a vein in your hand or arm. If you are an inpatient we may be able to use an existing IV or INT for your injection.
3. The Nuclear Medicine Technologist will let you know when to return for your scan. Typically we scan patients 2, 6, and 24 hours after their re-injection. This may change depending on your symptoms.
4. The scan time is 1 hour each day. Register at Outpatient Registration only on day 1.

Inpatient and Outpatient Preparation Instructions:

1. If you are breast-feeding, pregnant, or think you are pregnant, you must inform your doctor.
2. There is no preparation for this scan.

Note:

For your convenience we may schedule more than one test on the same day. This can be confusing because the tests may have different preparation instructions. If you are an outpatient and don’t understand the instructions please call Radiology. If you are an inpatient the nursing staff will correlate your test with the preparation.

For Your Information:

The Radiologist (x-ray doctor) will read the scan and send the results to your doctor.

Important:

There is a charge for the isotope injection that must be ordered before the scan. If it is necessary to cancel the scan, please call the Radiology department at 419-394-3335 extension 3528 as soon as possible.