Experience with stabilised 99TcmHMPAO for leukocyte labelling

Abstract

2005

Objectives: Stabilising 99TcmHMPAO for brain imaging with CoCl2 is an established technique. Using stabilised 99TcmHMPAO for leukocyte labelling enables each vial of HMPAO to be used for up to three patients over a period of 3-5 hours post reconstitution. The objective of this work is to confirm that using stabilised 99TcmHMPAO improves the cost effectiveness and flexibility of leukocyte labelling whilst maintaining diagnostic image quality.

Methods: 100 labelled leukocyte scans (50 using stabilised 99TcmHMPAO and 50 using unstabilised 99TcmHMPAO) performed over a period of two years were reviewed and compared for cell labelling efficiency, radiochemical purity of 99TcmHMPAO (stabilised and unstabilised) and diagnostic image quality (physiological distribution of labelled leukocytes and lung clearance).

Results: The results show that there is no significant difference in labelling efficiency between stabilised and unstabilised 99TcmHMPAO preparations. Visual assessment of image quality for physiological distribution of labelled leukocytes and assessment of lung clearance shows normal distribution in both stabilised and unstabilised 99TcmHMPAO populations apart from those showing positive pathology.

Conclusions: Stabilised 99TcmHMPAO for leukocyte labelling may be used to improve the flexibility and cost effectiveness of the procedure whilst maintaining diagnostic image quality.