What is the role of Tc HMPAO tagged WBCs in nuclear medicine?

• A. To visualize bone density
• B. To assess lung perfusion
• C. To detect sites of infection or inflammation
• D. To identify tumors

Answer: (C)

The role of Tc HMPAO tagged white blood cells (WBCs) in nuclear medicine is specifically to detect sites of infection or inflammation. This is due to the ability of white blood cells to migrate to areas of infection or inflammation in the body. When technetium-99m (Tc-99m) is used to label the WBCs with HMPAO (hexamethylpropylene amine oxime), it allows for imaging these cells.

During a nuclear medicine imaging procedure, the tagged WBCs are injected into the patient and accumulate in areas of infection or inflammation, where they can be visualized using a gamma camera. This accumulation helps clinicians identify and pinpoint active infection sites, and it is particularly useful in evaluating conditions such as abscesses, osteomyelitis, and inflammatory bowel disease, among others.

Such imaging is highly valuable in guiding treatment decisions and monitoring patient progress. Other roles, such as visualizing bone density, assessing lung perfusion, or identifying tumors, are not relevant to the specific function of Tc HMPAO tagged WBCs, making the detection of infection or inflammation their primary use in nuclear medicine.