What is the primary use of Tc HMPAO tagged WBCs?

• A. Oncology treatments
• B. Cardiac imaging
• C. Infection detection and localization
• D. Organ transplant viability

Answer: (C)

The primary use of Tc HMPAO (technetium-99m hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime) tagged white blood cells (WBCs) is for infection detection and localization. This radiopharmaceutical is specifically designed to label white blood cells, which are key components of the immune system. When injected into a patient, the tagged WBCs can accumulate in areas of inflammation or infection, allowing for imaging that highlights these problematic sites.

The ability to visualize areas where white blood cells migrate helps clinicians identify infections, abscesses, or inflammatory diseases with greater precision. This imaging technique is crucial in diagnosing conditions such as osteomyelitis, infections in the abdominal cavity, or complications in patients undergoing treatment for various conditions. By focusing on the body's immune response, Tc HMPAO tagged WBCs serve a unique and important role in the evaluation of infections, making this application their most prominent use.