RBC (nuclear) scan
Key points
- An RBC nuclear scan is a group of tests using small amounts of radioactive material to mark (tag) red blood cells (RBCs).
- The exact procedure may vary slightly depending on the reason for the scan (the suspected problem).
- You will wear a hospital gown, and be asked to remove jewelry or metallic objects before the scan.
- The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age and experience.
Definition
An RBC nuclear scan is a group of tests using small amounts of radioactive material to mark (tag) red blood cells (RBCs). The body is then scanned to detect the location and flow of the tagged RBCs (see also Nuclear ventriculography).
How the test is performed
The exact procedure may vary slightly depending on the reason for the scan (the suspected problem).
The RBCs are tagged with radioisotope in 1 of 2 ways.
First, a sample of blood may be withdrawn from the person in the standard venipuncture method (similar to getting a sample for a blood test). In the laboratory, the RBCs are separated from the rest of the blood components and mixed with the radioisotope. A short time later these "tagged" RBCs are reinjected into a vein.
The second method involves injection of a medication that "sensitizes" the RBCs in the body, which is a complex chemical reaction that permits the RBCs to "accept" the radioisotope (attach the isotope to the cell membrane). The isotope is injected into a vein 15 or 20 minutes later.
Scanning may be performed immediately, after a delay, or a series of scans may be performed. The whole body or only particular locations may be scanned depending on the indications for the test. The person is asked to lie on a table while the scanner detects the location and amount of radiation emitted by the tagged RBCs.
How to prepare for the test
You must sign a consent form. You will wear a hospital gown, and be asked to remove jewelry or metallic objects before the scan.
For infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age and 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)
- School age test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
- Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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