White Cell Scan

Nuclear medicine is the use of small amounts of radioactive materials to gain images for diagnosis or treatment of various conditions or diseases. Images are created by administering a radioactive compound (“tracer”) which targets a particular region of interest. All tests are safe and non-invasive. Unlike other scanning methods such as: X-rays, nuclear medicine test provides information about physiology and function.

Your doctor has requested a White Cell Scan for you and in this leaflet we describe what is involved. Please read through everything very carefully.

What is this study going to show?

The purpose of this study is to obtain pictures that may show areas of infection in your body. This will help your doctor diagnose your condition and give you appropriate treatment. Please allow approximately four to six hours for the study.

Is the radioactivity harmful?

Your test will involve the use of a small amount of ionising radiation (similar to a CT scan) and the risk associated with this is low.  The main benefit of the test is making the correct diagnosis, so you can get the treatment that is right for you.  This benefit is far greater than the small risk of radiation.

Preparing for the study

No specific preparation is required. You may eat and drink as normal.

What does the study involve?

Radioactive Tracer Injection

When you arrive, we will take a blood sample from you and then we will re-inject a portion of this 3-4 hours later into a vein in your arm. This portion will contain your own white blood cells labelled with a small amount of radioactive tracer. This will not affect you in any way. We will then scan you later the same afternoon as well as the following to look at the distribution of the labelled white cells.

Waiting Period

During the waiting periods between taking the blood sample, and the interval between the injection and scan, you are free to leave the hospital and you may eat normally. The technologist will give you a time to return for your scan later in the day as well as a time to return for the second scan the following day.

White cell Scan

Before the white cell scan you will be required to remove any items of jewellery or metal objects.

You will lie on the scanning bed and pictures will be taken using a gamma camera. The camera will be close to your body, and you will need to stay as still as possible. Scanning can take about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. The second scan the following day takes approximately 2 hours.

How long does the test take?

Your stay with us will be in between 4-6 hours. You will have time in between to leave the department if you wish.

Further information

Please ask a member of staff in the department if you have any questions. If you are currently on any medication please continue having them. If possible please bring you list of medications with you.

Can I bring a friend with me?

Yes, although some parts of your test may require your friend to sit outside the examination room. Please do not bring children or pregnant women (unless the test is for the child).   

What measures I have to take?

We advise patients to drink plenty of fluids to flush the remaining radioactivity out of the body. As you will be slightly radioactive for 24 hours after your injection we may advise you to avoid close and prolonged contact with pregnant women and small children.

What happens to the study results?

A report will be sent to your consultant doctor within two weeks. Unfortunately you will not receive results on the day of your test.

What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you believe that you may be pregnant or if you are breastfeeding it is important that you contact the department as soon as possible before your test, as it may need to be rescheduled.

Contact information

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital

Nuclear Medicine Department
1st Floor, Lift Bank D, (within main X-Ray department)

T: 020 3315 8415