What is a white blood cell scan?
A white blood cell scan is used to look for areas of infection within your body.
You have been given three appointment times on one day.
The first appointment will involve taking a blood sample from you. You will be asked to either attend the Pathology department or the Nuclear Medicine department, your appointment letter will advise you on where to attend. After this you may leave the department.
We will then send your blood to Royal Preston Hospital where they will separate the white and red blood cells. They then attach a small amount of radioactivity to the white cells and send them back to us.
On the second appointment time we will inject these white blood cells back into your body. The white cells circulate around your blood stream and accumulate in areas of your body where infection is present.
On your third appointment time we will perform a scan which will look for any areas of infection. This involves you lying on the scan table with the camera over the area of concern. This should take no longer than 25 minutes.
Between your appointment times you may leave the hospital. If you are remaining in the hospital you may bring food and drink with you.
If you have any queries or are unable to keep this appointment please notify us by telephone as soon as possible so we can offer this appointment to another patient. We are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 01253 953661.
You will be able to eat and drink as normal on the day of your scan.
There is no need to get undressed for the scan but we would like you to remove any metal items from your person in the area we are scanning, such as keys, coins or belt.
There is no need to stop any of your medication prior to your scan. The injection will not react with any medications.
After your scan you can eat and drink normally and you will still be able to drive a car. The radioactivity will disappear naturally from your body.
The results will be sent to the hospital consultant who referred you for the scan. Some consultants will write to you with the results of the scan and some will send you an appointment to come back to the outpatient clinic.
The injection contains a small amount of radioactive tracer which emits gamma rays (these are similar to X-rays). We use the smallest dose possible to provide as much information as we can about your condition. The radiation dose is very low and is similar to the natural background radiation we all receive from the environment over a period of 8 months.
The results of your scan will give your doctor useful information about your condition and will help them plan your treatment. The benefits of having the scan far outweigh the tiny radiation dose you will receive.
Further guidance has been published by Public Health England, visit website - https:// www.gov.uk/government/publicati ons/ ionising-radiation-from-medical- imaging-examinations-safety-advice
Alternatively, use an internet search engine to search for “PHE medical imaging ionising radiation”.
Please tell us if you are or may be pregnant. If you are breast feeding please ring the department a few days before your appointment.
Additional Information
Directions to X-ray Central
X-ray Central is situated in Area 4 off the main hospital corridor and is signposted. Please follow the signs for X-Ray Central and report to reception on arrival.
Relatives and escorts
If you require support during your appointment you may bring one accompanying adult with you.
They will not usually be allowed into the examination room. If you have any additional needs, please let us know prior to your appointment.
Car Park
Car parking is in the multi storey car park at the main entrance of the hospital. Car park charges apply at this hospital. Please bring change with you if you are planning to park on site. You can pay via debit/credit card at the multi-storey carpark.
Other facilities available
At the main entrance to the hospital there is a cafe and shops selling light meals and snacks. There is also a large restaurant for staff and visitors to use.
