Abscess Localization Scan or Indium / Ceretec Scan

What is an Abscess Localization Scan or Indium / Ceretec Scan?

As the name implies, an Abscess Localization Scan sometimes known as an Indium or WBC Scan helps diagnose infection or osteomyelitis.

What takes place during the test?

During the first part of the test, blood will be drawn from the arm and sent to a special lab where it will be mixed and tagged with a radionuclide material called either Indium or Ceretec. The choice of tagging substance is based on clinical history. After the blood is drawn, you will return in 3 hours for re-injection of the tagged blood. If the blood was tagged with Ceretec, you will return in 4 hours from the re-injection to be scanned for approximately 1 hour. If the blood was tagged with Indium, you will return 24 hours after the re-injection where you will be scanned for approximately 1 hour. During the scan, you will lie on the imaging table with the camera positioned above or below you while several images are taken.

How long will the test take to complete?

The Ceretec scan will take approximately 8 - 8 1/2 hours from start to finish. The Indium scan will take approximately 28 - 28 1/2 hours from start to finish.