Technetium tc-99m mebrofenin, diagnostic, per study dose, up to 15 millicuries
HCPCS code
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
- Injection: The patient will receive an intravenous (IV) injection of Technetium Tc-99m Mebrofenin.
- 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.
- 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