title: Tc-99m red blood cells for the study of rapid hemolytic processes associated with heterologous blood transfusions.
abstract: Chromium-51 labeled erythrocytes (Cr-51 RBC) are suitable for the study of hematologic disorders which involve relatively slow destruction of circulating erythrocytes, taking several days to several weeks. However, Cr-51 RBC are not suitable for investigating rapid hemolytic processes which occur within a matter of a few hours due to the variable and unpredictable elution of Cr-51 from the erythrocytes during the first 24 hours or so. Imaging, which could be useful in identifying organ systems involved in the hemolytic process, cannot be performed with Cr-51 RBC because of the high dose commitment caused by the low yield of gamma rays from Cr-51 (2). A method of labeling RBC with Tc-99m, which results in a radiopharmaceutical that combines the excellent dosimetric and imaging qualities of Tc-99m with an extremely stable bond between the Tc-99m and the RBC, is reported. The successful application of this technique in providing red cell support for a cancer patient with an unusual history of intravascular hemolytic transfusion reactions is also reported.
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000628:therapy; D001787:Blood Group Incompatibility / Q000175:diagnosis; D001788:Blood Grouping and Crossmatching / Q000379:methods; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D004912:Erythrocytes; D006461:Hemolysis; D006801:Humans; D007553:Isotope Labeling / Q000379:methods; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013667:Technetium; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D013667:Technetium