Leukocyte scan
Key points
- A leukocyte scan is a nuclear scan (radioisotope test) using white blood cells (WBCs) that are "tagged" with radioactive material to locate areas of infection or inflammation.
- Nuclear WBC scanning uses small amounts of radioactive materials (radioisotopes) that are attached to a sample of white blood cells.
- There is usually no need for fasting, special diets, or preliminary medications.
- The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's ageand experience.
Alternative names
WBC (nuclear) scan
Definition
A leukocyte scan is a nuclear scan (radioisotope test) using white blood cells (WBCs) that are "tagged" with radioactive material to locate areas of infection or inflammation.
How the test is performed
Nuclear WBC scanning uses small amounts of radioactive materials (radioisotopes) that are attached to a sample of white blood cells. These "tagged" white cells are returned to the body, and accumulate in areas of inflammation or infection (such as an abscess). The radiation emitted can be detected by a scanner, revealing hidden sites of infection or inflammation.
One or two vials of blood are withdrawn from a vein. The white blood cells are separated from the rest of the blood sample and are mixed with a small amount of a radioisotope (indium-111). About 2 or 3 hours later, these "tagged" white blood cells are returned to the body through injection into a vein.
Six and/or 24 hours later, the body is scanned. You are asked to lie on a table. The scanner looks similar to an X-ray machine, and detects radiation that is emitted from within the body by the radioactive white blood cells. It converts the detected radiation into an image that can be viewed on a screen or recorded on film. The scan takes about 1 or 2 hours. The scanner is usually located in a hospital, but often the test can be performed on an outpatient basis.
After the test is completed, no recovery time or special precautions are necessary. You typically may resume a normal diet, activity, and medications.
How to prepare for the test
There is usually no need for fasting, special diets, or preliminary medications. You must sign a consent form. You will wear a hospital gown or be allowed to wear loose fitting clothing without metal fasteners. Remove jewelry, dentures, or metal before the scan.
The health care provider will occasionally request that antibiotics be stopped before this test.
For infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's ageand experience. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:
- Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
- Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
- Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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