A safe, simple method for preparing heat-damaged red cells for diagnosing splenic infarct or trauma.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to demonstrate a fast, safe and simple method for preparing heat-damaged red blood cells.


METHODS
Patient blood was radiolabeled using the Ultra-Tag RBC kit and then heated to 49.5 degrees C for 20 min. The reaction vial was cooled in ice water for 1 min and the required activity was administered to the patient. The patient was imaged 60 min postinjection.


RESULTS
High-quality planar and SPECT images of the spleen were obtained with low background activity noted. Radiolabeling efficiency was greater than 95%.


CONCLUSIONS
The method was safe and simple to perform. High-quality images of the spleen were obtained.
Snowdon
G M
GM
Department of Nuclear Medicine, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
D004912:Erythrocytes; D005260:Female; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D008875:Middle Aged; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D012449:Safety; D013154:Spleen / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D013159:Splenic Infarction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013667:Technetium; D013997:Time Factors; D015899:Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon
D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D013667:Technetium