Identification of factors affecting the retention of 99mTc-DMSA in syringes among the paediatric population in Sri Lanka
Abstract
Introduction: 99mTc-DMSA is a common paediatric renal scintigraphy study, where radiopharmaceutical is introduced intravenously using disposable syringes. Radiopharmaceuticals can be retained on disposable syringes, causing under-dosing, and impacting imaging quality in paediatric patients. The study aimed to specify the factors affecting on retention of 99mTc-DMSA in disposable syringes. Furthermore, the influence of the medical staff, patient positioning, and the ascendancy of the MON.TEK 99mMo/99mTc generator were investigated.
Methods: A study of 212 pediatric patients undergoing 99mTc-DMSA renal scintigraphy was conducted using CAPINTEC-CRC-15R and CAPINTEC-CRC/15 BETA radiation dose calibrators. The 99mTc-Pertechnetate was eluted with a MON.TEK 99mMo/99mTc generator and the radiopharmaceutical volume were recorded. Six types of 1ml/1cc disposable syringes (Types 1-6) and one 1ml insulin syringe (Type 7) were used. Pre- and post-doses of these syringes were measured.
Results: Results showed a significant moderate, positive correlation between retention dose and dilution (radiopharmaceutical volume). There was no correlation between retention dose and pre-dose or patient weight. No significant difference in retention was found based on patient gender or position. Significant differences in retention dose were observed among syringe types, injection sites, labeling personnel, and administering personnel.
Conclusion: The retention of 99mTc-DMSA varies by syringe type, with Syringe Type-1 showing the highest retention and Type-7 the lowest, making Type-7 the most suitable. Retention is influenced by factors such as radiopharmaceutical dilution, labeling, injecting personnel, and injection site, while pre-dose, patient gender, weight, positioning, and decay time do not significantly affect retention.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4038/sljms1.v1i2.14 | Journal eISSN: 3051-5548
Language: English
Published on: Mar 29, 2026
Published by: General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University
In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services
© 2026 Vishakha Paramee, Dilani Neranjana Wimalarathne, published by General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.