Name of the Procedure:

Technetium Tc-99m Exametazime Labeled Autologous White Blood Cells Scan

• Common Name: WBC Scan
• Medical Term: Technetium-99m labeled leukocyte scintigraphy

Summary

A Technetium Tc-99m exametazime labeled autologous white blood cells scan is a nuclear medicine test that uses a small amount of radioactive material attached to your own white blood cells to detect sites of infection or inflammation within your body.

Purpose

The procedure is used to identify and localize infections or inflammatory processes in the body. This can help diagnose conditions such as abscesses, osteomyelitis, or infections in prosthetic devices.

Indications

• Signs or symptoms of infection, such as fever of unknown origin
• Suspected abscesses or localized infections
• Inflammatory conditions like inflammatory bowel disease
• Monitoring of known infections to evaluate treatment effectiveness

Preparation

• You may be required to fast for a few hours before the procedure.
• Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking.
• Blood samples will be collected for the labeling process.

Procedure Description

1. Blood Collection: A sample of your blood is drawn and sent to the lab.
2. Labeling: The white blood cells in your blood are separated and labeled with Technetium Tc-99m.
3. Re-injection: The labeled white blood cells are then re-injected into your bloodstream.
4. Imaging: Several hours later, you will undergo a series of scans using a gamma camera to detect the radioactive cells, which accumulate at sites of infection or inflammation.

This procedure does not typically require anesthesia or sedation.

Duration

The entire process, including blood collection, cell labeling, and imaging, can take several hours up to a full day, with imaging lasting between 1 to 2 hours.

Setting

The procedure is generally performed in a hospital's nuclear medicine department or a specialized outpatient imaging center.

Personnel

• Nuclear medicine technologist
• Radiologist
• Medical laboratory technician
• Nurse

Risks and Complications

• Exposure to a small amount of radiation, though generally considered safe
• Slight risk of infection or bruising at the injection site
• Rarely, allergic reactions to the radioactive tracer

Benefits

• Accurate localization of infection or inflammation sources
• Non-invasive
• Provides critical information for treatment planning Benefits are usually realized within hours to a day after the imaging is completed.

Recovery

• Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure.
• Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the radioactive material from your body.
• Follow any additional specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

Alternatives

• Blood tests and cultures
• Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans

Each alternative has various pros and cons, such as the level of detail provided and the type of information they yield.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, patients might feel a slight pinch during blood draws and injections. The imaging process itself is painless but requires you to remain still. Pain and discomfort are minimized, and any concerns are addressed by the healthcare team to ensure patient comfort.