BONE MARROW SCAN

INDICATIONS:

1. Evaluation of regional bone marrow abnormalities in general.
2. To identify marrow replacement by tumor.
3. To define marrow distribution.
4. To locate sites for biopsy.
5. Assessment of suspected area of avascular necrosis.
6. Diagnosis of osteomyelitis in conjunction with Labeled white blood cell imaging.

PATIENT PREPARATION:

None.

RADIOPHARMACEUTICAL:

Tc-99m labeled colloid, 8 mCi, is given I.V. Whole body radiation dose is .05 rad; liver receives 3-5 rad.

SCANNING TIME:

Imaging takes about 40 minutes and occurs about 60-90 minutes after injection.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS/RATIONALE:

Tc-99m albumin or sulfur colloid is taken up by the reticuloendothelial cells present in bone marrow and is the basis for this imaging procedure. Particles are delivered via the blood supply; therefore, images also reflect regional blood flow.