White cell scan
This test is used to identify unusually high collections of white blood cells in the body which might indicate areas of infection or inflammation.
There is no preparation for this test, the patient may eat and drink as normal. On arrival, a sample of blood is taken from the patient and sent to the laboratory where a very small amount of radioactivity is attached to the white blood cells. This process takes about three hours after which the white blood cells are injected back into the patient.
Images will be taken on a gamma camera at one hour and three hours after the injection. The patient will not need to undress for the images, nor do they go into a tunnel.
After all the images have been taken, the patient can go home. A written report will be sent to the referring doctor.