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Diagnostic Test – Indium-Labeled Leukocyte Scan
1. How does this test work?
The indium-labeled leukocyte scan is a nuclear medicine study used to detect occult infection or evaluate fever of unknown origin (FUO).
Mechanism:
- A sample of the patient’s blood is drawn.
- White blood cells (leukocytes) are isolated and tagged with radioactive indium.
- The labeled blood is re-injected into the patient.
- The indium-tagged leukocytes migrate and localize to areas of active infection or inflammation.
- Nuclear imaging detects areas of increased uptake, identifying the site of infection.
2. When is an indium scan the right text?
Answer indium-labeled leukocyte scan when you see:
- Occult infection or fever of unknown origin
- Routine studies are negative, such as:
- Blood cultures
- Chest X-ray
- Urinalysis
- Suspicion of infection that is difficult to localize
- Situations where gallium scans are inaccurate, particularly:
- Intra-abdominal infections
3. What is the most accurate test?
- A biopsy of the suspected site of infection is more accurate than an indium-labeled leukocyte scan.
- The indium scan is best used as a localizing tool, guiding further definitive testing.
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