This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Radioiodine labelled fibrinogen uptake

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The uptake of radioiodine (I,125) labelled fibrinogen may be used to detect thrombus throughout the calf and in the lower three quarters of the thigh.

It is a highly sensitive technique. Only 50% of DVT's detected on labelled fibrinogen scanning are identified clinically and studies using this technique reveal post operative DVT in up to 30% of patients over 40 years old.

Despite these results, however, the technique is falling out of favour, as:

  • it cannot detect thrombus which has formed before the labelled fibrinogen is given
  • it is unreliable in the pelvic and hip region, since the bladder is in close proximity and may contain excreted radioiodine
  • it is of little use following knee or hip surgery since labelled fibrinogen accumulates at the site of the operation
  • it is contraindicated during pregnancy
  • lower limb incisions may give false positive results
  • there is a risk of hepatitis

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.