Labelled Red Blood Cell (Haemangioma) Scan

What is a Labelled Red Blood Cell (Haemangioma) Scan?

A Labelled Red Blood Cell (RBC) Scan, also known as a Haemangioma Scan, is a nuclear medicine imaging test used to detect and evaluate haemangiomas in the liver. Haemangiomas are benign (non-cancerous) vascular tumours formed by clusters of blood vessels. They are commonly found in the liver and are usually asymptomatic, but in some cases, they can cause pain or complications.

Who is Suitable for a Labelled Red Blood Cell (Haemangioma) Scan?

A Labelled RBC Scan is recommended for individuals who need further evaluation of liver lesions that may be haemangiomas. It is particularly useful when other imaging methods, such as ultrasound or CT scans, are inconclusive.



This scan may be suitable for:

  • Patients with an incidental liver lesion found on ultrasound or CT scan.
  • Individuals with suspected hepatic haemangiomas that require confirmation.
  • Those with symptoms such as upper abdominal pain or discomfort that could be related to a haemangioma.
  • Patients who cannot undergo MRI due to contraindications like metal implants or severe claustrophobia.
  • People needing a non-invasive and highly specific imaging test to differentiate haemangiomas from other liver tumours.

Benefits of Labelled Red Blood Cell (Haemangioma) Scan

This scan offers several advantages over other imaging methods:

  • Highly Specific – It is excellent for distinguishing haemangiomas from malignant liver tumours, as haemangiomas retain labelled RBCs longer than normal liver tissue.
  • Non-Invasive – Unlike biopsy, which carries risks, this scan does not require invasive procedures.
  • Safe and Low Radiation Exposure – Using technetium-99m ensures minimal radiation exposure compared to CT scans with contrast.
  • No Need for Contrast Dye – This makes it suitable for patients with kidney problems or allergies to iodinated contrast used in CT scans.
  • Provides Functional Imaging – Unlike CT or MRI, which focus on structural imaging, this scan provides insight into the vascular nature of the lesion.
  • Useful for Monitoring—It can be used for follow-up imaging to observe changes in size or vascularity over time.

Conditions Diagnosed by a  Labelled Red Blood Cell (Haemangioma) Scan

While primarily used for detecting and confirming hepatic haemangiomas, the scan can help differentiate between liver lesions. Conditions that can be diagnosed or ruled out include:

  • Hepatic Haemangioma – The primary indication for this scan, confirming the presence of a benign vascular lesion.
  • Liver Metastases – Helps distinguish haemangiomas from metastatic cancerous growths in the liver.
  • Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) – Differentiates malignant liver tumors from benign haemangiomas.
  • Focal Nodular Hyperplasia (FNH) – Although an MRI with contrast is usually preferred for FNH, a labelled RBC scan may sometimes be used for further clarification.
  • Cavernous Haemangiomas – These large blood vessel clusters in the liver can be identified using this scan.

What Further Information Can a Labelled RBC Scan Show?

A Labelled RBC Scan provides additional diagnostic information to differentiate haemangiomas from other liver lesions. This includes:

  • Blood Flow and Vascularity – The scan highlights how the lesion retains labelled red blood cells over time, a key characteristic of haemangiomas.
  • Lesion Size and Location – This procedure precisely examines the size, shape, and position of the haemangioma within the liver.
  • Differentiation from Malignant Tumors – Unlike malignant tumours, haemangiomas retain the radiolabelled red blood cells for an extended period, allowing doctors to distinguish them from cancers like hepatocellular carcinoma or liver metastases.
  • Confirmation of Previously Identified Lesions – If a liver lesion was detected in an ultrasound or CT scan but was inconclusive, this test helps confirm whether it is a haemangioma.
  • Assessment of Multiple Lesions—When multiple liver lesions are present, the scan helps identify which are likely to be haemangiomas and which may need further testing.
  • Monitoring Over Time – While haemangiomas usually remain stable, the scan can help track any changes in rare cases where growth occurs.


Preparation for Labelled Red Blood Cell (Haemangioma) Scan

What to Bring

  • Referral from your doctor or specialist.
  • Medicare or private health insurance details (if applicable).
  • Any previous imaging results, such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans, are compared.
  • A list of medications you are taking, including blood thinners or anticoagulants.


What to Wear

  • Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, preferably without metal zippers, buttons, or underwire bras, as metal can interfere with the scan.
  • You may be asked to change into a hospital gown for the procedure.


Food and Drink Restrictions

  • Fasting is not typically required, but you should check with your doctor or the imaging centre for specific instructions.
  • Drink plenty of water before the test to stay hydrated.


Medication Considerations

  • Most medications can be taken as usual, but consult your doctor before the scan if you are on blood thinners or other specific drugs.


How Long Does It Take?

  • The entire procedure can take 2 to 3 hours. This includes time for blood withdrawal, labelling of the red blood cells, reinjection, and imaging.
  • Some imaging may be done immediately after injection, while additional delayed imaging might be performed after 45 to 60 minutes.


Labelled Red Blood Cell (Haemangioma) Scan Procedure

What about the injection?

You get two injections to attach the radio-tracer to the red cells in your blood. The first injection attaches to the red cells, and the second injection (radio-tracer) attaches to the first. After the injections, there is a delay of 3 hours until the main part of the scan.  There are no side effects; you will not feel tired or dizzy, and you can drive a car.


What about the pictures?

Some pictures are taken during injections, but the main pictures are taken 3 hours later.  These pictures take about 40 to 60 minutes.


What to Expect After a Labelled Red Blood Cell (Haemangioma) Scan?

Immediate Aftercare

  • You can return to normal activities immediately unless advised otherwise.
  • No side effects are expected, as the amount of radioactive material used is very low.
  • You may be advised to drink plenty of fluids to help your body eliminate any remaining radioactive tracer.


Post-Instructions

  • Radiation Precautions – The radiation exposure is minimal, but as a precaution, avoid close contact with pregnant women or young children for a few hours after the scan.
  • Hydration – Drink extra water to help flush out the tracer from your body.
  • Watch for Reactions – Allergic reactions to the tracer are extremely rare, but if you experience redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site, contact your doctor.


When to Expect Results

  • Results will be available the following day after 2pm.
  • Your doctor will discuss the findings with you and determine if further testing or treatment is required.


Labelled Red Blood Cell (Haemangioma) Scan Prognosis

A Labelled Red Blood Cell (Haemangioma) Scan provides highly accurate imaging to confirm whether a liver lesion is a benign haemangioma. The scan is a safe and effective way to differentiate benign vascular lesions from malignant tumours, avoiding unnecessary biopsies or surgery.


Labelled Red Blood Cell (Haemangioma) Scan Risks

The scan is considered very safe, with minimal risks. However, some rare risks include:

  • Radiation Exposure – The level of radiation from technetium-99m is low and generally not harmful. However, repeated nuclear medicine scans over time may contribute to cumulative exposure.
  • Injection Site Reactions – Mild pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site may occur but typically resolves quickly.
  • Allergic Reactions (Very Rare) – Severe allergic reactions to the radioactive tracer are extremely uncommon.
  • Discomfort from Blood Draw or Injection – Some patients may feel slight discomfort during the blood draw or reinjection process.


Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should inform their doctor, as the scan may not be recommended unless necessary.


What if a Labelled Red Blood Cell (Haemangioma) Scan is Delayed?

For most patients, waiting a few weeks or months will not impact health outcomes, but if symptoms like pain or liver dysfunction are present, timely scanning is advisable.



Labelled Red Blood Cell (Haemangioma) Scan Costs

  • Medicare Coverage: Bulk billed. No out-of-pocket cost.