technetium Tc-99m labeled red blood cells

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

technetium Tc-99m is typically obtained from a technetium generator, which produces Tc-99m through the decay of its parent isotope, molybdenum-99. Tc-99m is then chemically bound to a radiopharmaceutical that can attach to red blood cells.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

None

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

None  

Caution: 

• technetium Tc-99m labeled red blood cells emits ionizing radiation, and precautions should be taken to minimize radiation exposure. 
• Caution and appropriate dose adjustments are necessary in patients with impaired renal function. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: 

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: technetium Tc 99m is present in human breast milk 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

technetium Tc-99m labeled red blood cells are prepared by labeling the patient’s own red blood cells with Tc-99m.  

technetium Tc-99m labeled red blood cells emit gamma rays, which are a type of ionizing radiation.  

Pharmacodynamics 

Once the technetium Tc-99m labeled red blood cells are reintroduced into the patient’s bloodstream, they circulate throughout the body just like regular red blood cells.  

Pharmacokinetics 

Limited information available on ADME  

Adminstartion

Administration 

Administer through intravenous route as follows: 

Collect 1 to 3 ml blood sample from patient and reinfuse only into the same patient from which the blood sample was drawn.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: technetium Tc-99m labeled red blood cells 

Why do we use technetium Tc-99m labeled red blood cells? 

technetium Tc-99m labeled RBCs can be used to detect the source of gastrointestinal bleeding.  

It also used in spleen imaging which helps diagnose splenic disorders such as splenomegaly and hypersplenism.