An indium scan is a non-invasive nuclear scan that uses a radioactive tracer to identify inflammation or infection in specific areas of the body. The procedure involves tagging white blood cells with indium-111, injecting them back into the body, and then detecting gamma rays emitted by the isotope using special imaging equipment. The risks are minimal, but pregnant or breastfeeding women are generally not recommended to have the procedure.
An indium scan, also known as a leukocyte scan or white blood cell (WBC) scan, is a type of nuclear scan in which a radioactive tracer is used to identify inflammation or infection in specific areas of the body. This procedure uses a radioisotope of indium-111. The scan is a noninvasive imaging procedure that involves minimal discomfort. It is generally not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
The indium scan is a multi-step procedure conducted by a nuclear medicine technician. First, the individual’s blood is drawn. The white blood cells are separated from other blood cells and then mixed with a small amount of the isotope indium-111; this is called tagging. The marked cells are injected back into the person’s body through a vein. A few hours later, when the labeled cells have accumulated in inflamed or infected areas of the body, the gamma rays emitted by the isotope are detected by a full body scan using special imaging equipment.
The scanning process involves standing completely still on a table as the imaging cameras slowly move above or below the table. This could take from 20 minutes to several hours. You may need a second indium scan procedure or follow-up tests such as an MRI or CT scan to confirm the presence of infection or inflammation.
An indium scan is a non-invasive and non-surgical procedure. It typically involves minimal discomfort from drawing blood and reinjecting labeled blood cells. The individual may experience a cold sensation in the arm soon after the injection of the radioisotope mixture. Rarely, some people may experience an allergic reaction to the indium-111 isotope, which in extreme cases could lead to anaphylactic shock.
The risks inherent in the indium scanning procedure are considered minimal. Although the process involves some exposure to radioactivity, the isotope generally leaves the body within about two days. An individual might be instructed to drink a large amount of water after the test to help clear the isotope from the body. A nursing or pregnant woman may not be advised to have this procedure, or the nuclear medicine technician may use a lower dose of the radioactive isotope.
An indium scan is typically ordered when a doctor suspects that there may be an infection or inflammation in certain parts of the body, especially the abdominal area. An abnormal result on the indium scan indicates the likelihood of an active infection or an inflamed area, such as an abscess of the liver or other organs. Inaccurate results are possible because the spleen and liver tend to accumulate white blood cells even when there is no active infection or inflammation.
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