RBC (nuclear) scan

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First, a sample of blood may be withdrawn from the person in the standard venipuncture method (similar to getting a sample for a blood test).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

How to Prepare:
You must sign a consent form. You will wear a hospital gown and asked to remove jewelry or metallic objects before the scan.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:



How it Feels:
There will be a sharp prick from the needles used for blood withdrawal and/or injection(s). You will not feel the radioisotope and the imaging, but the table may be cold or hard. You must lie still during the scan.

Risks:
Risks are essentially the same as for X-rays (radiation) and intravenous injection or blood sampling.

There is a very slight exposure to radiation from the radioisotope . The radiation is minimal, and the materials

Why this Test is Performed:
Most often it is used to evaluate blood-flow patterns ( nuclear ventriculography ) or to locate the site of gastrointestinal bleeding . It may also be used to look for hemangioma ( bruising ) within the liver, and occasionally is used to evaluate the rate of blood loss in some anemias or to evaluate blood vessel obstructions.

Normal Values:
No RBCs in unusual areas (no sites of bleeding ) and a normal blood-flow patterns are normal.

Abnormal Results:
This scan is most commonly used to determine the site of bleeding , particularly bleeding within the gastrointestinal tract. An RBC scanning is also used as part of nuclear ventriculography and other scans.

Cost:
The estimated cost is $295 when the scan is to detect bleeding . The cost may vary when testing circulation, blood flow, or other tests that used tagged RBCs.

Special Considerations:
Scans may need to be repeated over 1 or 2 days to detect gastrointestinal bleeding .