Indium-111 Labeled Autologous White Blood Cells, Diagnostic (A9570)

Name of the Procedure:

Common Name: Indium-111 White Blood Cell Scan
Technical/Medical Term: Indium-111 Labeled Autologous White Blood Cells for Diagnostic Use

Summary

An Indium-111 White Blood Cell Scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure where a patient's white blood cells are labeled with a radioactive tracer called Indium-111. This allows doctors to track the cells using a special camera to identify areas of infection or inflammation within the body.

Purpose

This procedure is primarily used to diagnose and detect infections, abscesses, or areas of inflammation that standard imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans, may not reveal. The goal is to pinpoint the exact location and extent of the infection to guide appropriate treatment.

Indications

• Unexplained fevers
• Suspected abscess or deep-seated infection
• Infection in soft tissues or internal organs
• Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
• Inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for a few hours before the procedure.
• Blood samples will be taken for labeling the white blood cells.
• It's essential to inform the healthcare team of any current medications, allergies, or medical conditions.

Procedure Description

1. Blood is drawn from the patient.
2. White blood cells are separated from the blood sample and labeled with the Indium-111 radioactive tracer.
3. The labeled white blood cells are re-injected into the patient's bloodstream.
4. After a few hours to allow the labeled cells to travel through the body, the patient undergoes imaging using a gamma camera.
5. The images produced will highlight areas where the labeled white blood cells have accumulated, indicating infection or inflammation.

Tools and Equipment:

• Gamma camera
• Indium-111 radioactive tracer
• Centrifuge and cell labeling equipment Anesthesia: Not typically required, though local anesthesia may be used for venipuncture.

Duration

The entire process, including blood draw, cell labeling, re-injection, and imaging, usually spans 24 to 48 hours. Each imaging session takes about 30-60 minutes.

Setting

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

Personnel

• Nuclear Medicine Physician
• Radiologist
• Nuclear Medicine Technologist
• Registered Nurse or Phlebotomist

Risks and Complications

• Radiation exposure, although minimal
• Potential allergic reaction to the radioactive tracer
• Infection at the injection site
• Bruising or bleeding from the blood draw

Benefits

• Accurate detection and localization of infections and inflammation
• Non-invasive nature compared to surgical exploration
• Helps guide targeted treatment plans

Expected benefits are usually realized within a few hours to days following the completion of imaging.

Recovery

• Generally, patients can resume normal activities immediately after the imaging.
• Instructions may include hydrating well to help flush out the radioactive tracer.
• Follow-up appointments will be scheduled as needed based on the imaging results.

Alternatives

• CT scans or MRI for detailed soft tissue images
• Gallium scans for infection detection
• Ultrasound for abscess localization
• Each alternative has different sensitivity, specificity, and risks compared to the Indium-111 scan.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient may feel discomfort from the blood draw and re-injection, and may need to remain still during imaging sessions. Pain management is usually not required, but comfort measures like blankets and cushions are often provided. Some patients might feel anxious about the radiation exposure, but the medical team can offer reassurance and information about safety measures.