Colonic transit scintigraphy labeled activated charcoal compared with ion exchange pellets

Duane D. Burton, Michael Camilleri, Brian P. Mullan, Lee A. Forstrom, Joseph C. Hung

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

95 Scopus citations

Abstract

Scintigraphic measurement of colonic transit is currently performed by delivering 111In ion exchange resin pellets to the colon in a methacrylate-coated capsule. However, use of this method is constrained by the need for an investigational drug permit. We have demonstrated previously optimal adsorption in vitro of commonly used radioisotopes (e.g., 99mTc or 111In) to activated charcoal in milleus that mimicked gastric and small intestinal content. The aim of this study was to compare the transit profiles of radioactive activates charcoal and resin pellets delivered to the colon in the same methacrylate-coated capsule. Methods: In 10 healthy volunteers, we compared the colonic transit profiles over 32 hr of simultaneously administered resin pellets labeled with 111In and activated charcoal mixed with 99mTc-diethylenemaminepentaacetic acid. Transit was summarized as the geometric center (weighted average of counts) in the colon at each scanning period. Results: Colonic transit profiles were virtually identical with the two markers, with less than 0.1 geometric center unit differences in the transit profiles over the 32-hr periods. Conclusion: Activated charcoal is a suitable alternative to resin pellets when delivered in a methacrylate- coated, delayed-release capsule to the colon for measurement of transit by scintigraphy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1807-1810
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine
Volume38
Issue number11
StatePublished - Nov 1997

Keywords

  • Charcoal
  • Colonic transit
  • Scintigrapny

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Colonic transit scintigraphy labeled activated charcoal compared with ion exchange pellets'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this