A new technique to denature red cells for spleen scanning

Abstract

The use of concentrated ACD and stable sodium chromate to denature the ⁵¹Cr-tagged autologous red cells for spleen scintiscanning is described. Organ distribution data in rats and dogs 4 and 24 hr after i.v. injection of labeled erythrocytes with and without modification is presented. Studies show that combination of concentrated ACD and stable chromate yields maximum sequestration of labeled cells in the spleen with very low concentrations in liver, kidneys and circulating blood. The technique has been successfully used in 20 patients. Representative spleen scans of two patients are shown. The advantages of combined ACD and stable chromate denaturation over the heat-treatment technique are simplicity and quicker denaturation. The ²⁰³Hg-BMHP has the drawback of significant uptakes in nontarget organs and the possibility of chemical toxic effects.