An ultrafiltration technique for labeling red blood cells with Tc-99m.

This method automates the preparation of autologous Tc-99m labeled red blood cells utilizing the Amicon on-line column eluate concentrator to separate the plasma from the red blood cells. The red blood cells were pre-tinned with stannous diphosphonate and continuously recirculated over a 0.6 mu filter until all of the plasma was removed and the red blood cells remained suspended in a solution of 0.9% sodium chloride. Once the plasma has been removed the red blood cells are incubated with Tc-99m pertechnetate. The above Tc-99m red blood cells were compared to Tc-99m red blood cells produced in a similar manner except that centrifugation was used to separate the red blood cells from the plasma. Both preparations had a tagging efficiency of 98% or greater and rat distribution studies demonstrate that both preparations are equally stable as an in vivo intravascular agent.