111 Indium White Blood Cell Scan: Uses, Procedure, Risks, and Results

111 Indium White Blood Cell Scan: Uses, Procedure, Risks, and Results

Article
Focused Health Topics
Laboratory Procedures
Contributed byAlexander Enabnit+2 moreMay 23, 2023

Introduction:

A 111 Indium White Blood Cell Scan, also known as a WBC scan, is a diagnostic imaging test that uses a special radioactive substance to evaluate inflammation or infection in the body. In this article, we will discuss the uses, procedure, risks, and results of a 111 Indium White Blood Cell Scan.

Uses:

A 111 Indium White Blood Cell Scan is typically used to:

  • Detect infection or inflammation in the body
  • Identify the location and extent of infection or inflammation
  • Monitor the effectiveness of treatment for infection or inflammation
  • Evaluate the presence of bone infections, such as osteomyelitis

Procedure:

A 111 Indium White Blood Cell Scan involves several steps:

  1. A small amount of radioactive material, called 111 Indium, is injected into a vein in the arm.
  2. The radioactive material is absorbed by white blood cells in the body.
  3. The patient is scanned using a special camera that detects the radiation emitted by the white blood cells.
  4. Images are produced that show areas of increased white blood cell activity, which can indicate inflammation or infection.

The procedure typically takes 2-4 hours to complete, and patients may be asked to return for additional scans over several days to monitor the progress of the condition.

Risks:

A 111 Indium White Blood Cell Scan involves exposure to a small amount of radiation, which can pose a risk of:

  • Allergic reaction to the radioactive material
  • Skin irritation or burns at the injection site
  • Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction (rare)

The amount of radiation used in the procedure is considered safe and does not pose a significant risk to most people.

Results:

The results of a 111 Indium White Blood Cell Scan can help healthcare providers evaluate the presence and location of infection or inflammation in the body. Results may be reported as positive or negative, indicating the presence or absence of infection or inflammation, or as a measure of the severity of the condition.

If the scan reveals the presence of infection or inflammation, further testing or treatment may be necessary to manage the condition.

Conclusion:

A 111 Indium White Blood Cell Scan is a useful diagnostic tool that can help healthcare providers evaluate the presence and location of infection or inflammation in the body. If you are scheduled for a 111 Indium White Blood Cell Scan, it is important to discuss any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider.

Hashtags:#111IndiumWhiteBloodCellScan #WBCscan #infection #inflammation #diagnosticimagingtest #radioactivematerial #allergicreaction #anaphylaxis #severity #healthcareprovider

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On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team
Alexander Enabnit picture
Author

Alexander Enabnit

Senior Editorial Staff
Alexandra Warren picture
Author

Alexandra Warren

Senior Editorial Staff

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