In 2009, the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging published a standardized protocol guideline for gastric emptying scintigraphy that contains specific instructions on the exact meal and preparation procedure. Previous research has shown that the standardized meal and proper preparation of the meal for gastric emptying scintigraphy are not being adopted by some facilities. This research explores the differences of radiolabeling in the method of preparation of 99mTc-sulfur colloid (SC)-radiolabeled eggs. Methods: Liquid egg whites were mixed with 99mTc-SC before cooking in conjunction with the standardized protocol. A second sample set was prepared by adding the 99mTc-SC to eggs after they were cooked. Each sample set was placed in a solution of HCl and pepsin to simulate gestation. Radiolabeling efficacy was tested on each sample set at 2 and 4 h after gestating in HCl and pepsin. Results: 99mTc-SC added to the liquid egg whites before microwave cooking yielded radiolabeling efficacy of 70% 99mTc-SC after 2 and 4 h of simulated gastric fluid gestation. In contrast, radiolabeling after cooking the egg whites yielded 50% radiolabeling after simulated gestation. Conclusion: The results from this experiment showed that the method of mixing the 99mTc-SC with liquid egg whites before microwave cooking has higher binding efficacy than when adding 99mTc-SC onto already cooked egg whites. These results highlight the importance of following the standardized protocol for the meal preparation of a gastric emptying study.
Keywords: gastric emptying scintigraphy; gastrointestinal; meal preparation; radiolabeling; radiopharmaceuticals; standardized meal.
© 2024 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.