Apparatus for radiolabeling red blood cells

摘要

A method and apparatus for radiolabeling red blood cells is provided which includes a syringe holder, a vial containing heparin, a vial containing technetium-99m and a catheter. The vials and catheter are connected to channels within the syringe holder and a valve positioned at the intersection of the channels is capable of effecting selective communication between the catheter and either vial or none of the vials. The catheter is filled with heparin and a blood sample is drawn from the patient through the catheter and into the vial containing the technetium-99m. The catheter then is filled with heparin and the blood sample is incubated. The labeled red blood cells then are injected into the patient through the catheter.