Identification of the Factors Afecting on the Retention of 99mTc-DMSA in Syringes among Paediatric Population

Abstract

99mTc-DMSA is a common paediatric renal study, where radiopharmaceutical is introduced intravenously using disposable syringes. Radiopharmaceuticals retain on disposable syringes, causing under-dosing, impacting on imaging quality. The present study aimed in specifying the factors a ecting on retention of 99mTc-DMSA in disposable syringes. A sample of 212 paediatric patients under 15 years of age, underwent the 99mTc-DMSA renal scintigraphy investigation, from 17 th of November 2022 to 28th of February 2023 were subjected. CAPINTEC radiation dose calibrators were used to measure the pre and post radiation doses of the used disposable syringes. Six di erent types of 1 ml/1 cc disposable syringes (Type-1 to 6) and 1 ml insulin syringe (Type-7) were used. All relevant data pertaining to this study were accumulated. The data were analysed using Welch’s ANOVA test, Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman’s Rank Order Correlation statistical tests using SPSS version 26 software with p<0.05 indicating a level of signi cance. Results indicated a statistically signi cant correlation between retention dose and radiopharmaceutical dilution. No signi cant di erence in retention with patients’ gender and patient’s positions during the radiopharmaceutical administration. Signi cant di erences in retention dose among syringe types, injected sites, and radiopharmaceutical labelling and administering personals were indicated. Syringe Type-1 is less suitable with its highest retention dose. Type-7 is the best with the lowest retention dose. In conclusion, the retention of 99mTc-DMSA in disposable syringes is a ected by the radiopharmaceutical dilution, types of the syringes, injected sites and radiopharmaceutical labelling and administering personel. Retention is not a ected by pre-dose, patient’s weight, gender, and patient’s position.