Radionuclide techniques in pediatric hematology

Abstract

A variety of hematologic studies using radionuclides are suitable for use in pediatrics. These include the major tests currently in use in adults and consist of red cell survival and splenic sequestration studies, the Schilling test, iron absorption, and ferrokinetic studies and imaging procedures using radiocolloid to demonstrate the spleen and splenic function. Although certain specific indications are unique to pediatric practice, in general the procedures are approached in a manner identical to that in adults. That is, the indications and methods for carrying out the test require only minimum modification. The major requirement in pediatrics is that the administered dose must be proportionately scaled down to the size of the patient in the study in order to avoid unnecessary radiation. The new use of nuclear medicine techniques in pediatric hematology permits the identification of causes of various types of obscure anemias, evaluation of platelet function, the detection of juvenile pernicious anemia and the detection of abnormalities of red blood cell formation and of splenic function.