technetium-99m-labelled erythrocytes

Technetium-99m-labelled erythrocytes are a diagnostic **radiopharmaceutical** agent created by ex vivo or in vitro labelling of a patient’s autologous red blood cells (erythrocytes) with technetium-99m (a radioisotope of technetium). After labelling, the cells are reinjected intravenously. The compound is used as a **blood pool imaging agent** for cardiac first pass and gated equilibrium imaging, evaluation of gastrointestinal bleeding, and localization of vascular anomalies such as hemangiomas. The labelled erythrocytes circulate within the bloodstream, emitting gamma photons detectable by gamma cameras, allowing functional imaging of blood pool and vascular structures[1][2][4].

Brand names

Ultra-Tag

Other names

technetium Tc 99m red blood celltechnetium Tc 99m red blood cell humantechnetium (99mTc) red blood cells