Technetium Tc-99m Mebrofenin, Diagnostic, per Study Dose, up to 15 Millicuries (A9537)

Name of the Procedure:

Common Name(s): Tc-99m Mebrofenin Scan Technical/Medical Term: Technetium-99m Mebrofenin Scintigraphy

Summary

In layman's terms, this is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a radioactive tracer called Technetium Tc-99m Mebrofenin to create detailed images of the liver and gallbladder. The tracer is injected into the bloodstream, and a special camera detects the radiation emitted, helping physicians to evaluate liver and gallbladder function.

Purpose

Medical Conditions:

• Biliary obstruction
• Acute or chronic cholecystitis
• Gallbladder dysfunction
• Liver function assessment

Goals:

• Diagnose issues with liver and gallbladder function
• Detect bile leakage
• Evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for liver and gallbladder conditions

Indications

Symptoms/Conditions:

• Persistent right upper abdominal pain
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Unexplained liver enzyme elevation
• Prior liver surgery or trauma
• Suspected bile duct obstruction

Patient Criteria:

• Patients showing symptoms of gallbladder or liver disease
• Prior abnormal liver function tests

Preparation

Pre-Procedure Instructions:

• Fasting: Patients may be required to fast for at least 4-6 hours prior.
• Medication Adjustments: Specific medications may need to be paused or adjusted as advised by healthcare providers.

Diagnostic Tests:

• Blood tests to check liver function
• Prior imaging tests, if applicable

Procedure Description

1. Injection: The patient will receive an intravenous (IV) injection of Technetium Tc-99m Mebrofenin.
2. Imaging: The patient will lie under a gamma camera, which takes pictures at various intervals to trace the flow of the tracer through the liver and bile ducts.
3. Monitoring: Technologists and radiologists monitor the imaging process to ensure quality and accuracy.

Tools, Equipment, or Technology:

• Gamma camera or scintillation camera
• IV injection equipment

Anesthesia or Sedation:

Usually not required; procedure is typically painless.

Duration

The entire procedure usually takes about 1 to 2 hours.

Setting

The procedure is typically performed in:

• Hospital radiology departments
• Outpatient imaging or diagnostic centers

Personnel

• Nuclear medicine technologist
• Radiologist or nuclear medicine physician
• Nurses or medical assistants for patient preparation

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Minor bruising or discomfort at the injection site
• Allergic reactions to the radioactive tracer (rare)

Rare Complications:

• Radiation exposure (minimal and closely monitored for safety)
• False-positive or false-negative results requiring further testing

Benefits

Expected Benefits:

• Accurate diagnosis of liver and gallbladder conditions
• Guidance for appropriate treatment planning

Realization Timeline:

• Immediate: Analysis of images for diagnostic purposes usually within hours to a day

Recovery

Post-Procedure Care:

• Resume normal activities immediately unless otherwise instructed
• Hydrate well to facilitate clearance of the tracer from the body

Recovery Time:

• No recovery time needed; patients can return to normal activities immediately

Follow-up:

• Additional consultations or imaging studies as required based on results

Alternatives

Other Treatment Options:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• CT (Computed Tomography) scan
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Pros and Cons of Alternatives:

• Ultrasound: Non-radioactive, but less detailed compared to Tc-99m Mebrofenin scan
• CT Scan: More detailed, but involves higher radiation dose
• MRI: Excellent contrast resolution without radiation, but more expensive and time-consuming

Patient Experience

During the Procedure:

• Minimal discomfort from IV injection
• Need to remain still during imaging

After the Procedure:

• Typically no pain or discomfort
• Normal daily activities can be resumed
• Minor increase in hydration to clear the tracer faster