Nuclear medicine: labelled leucocyte scan: practice question

A Radiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Radiology · Nuclear medicine: labelled leucocyte scan

Sample item

A patient with a hip prosthesis has persistent pain and a raised CRP, and plain films are inconclusive for infection. Which nuclear study is most specific for infection?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Technetium-99m HMPAO labelled autologous leucocyte scan

Labelled white cells migrate to sites of neutrophil-rich infection and are more specific than a bone scan, which also lights up with aseptic loosening and healing. Combining with marrow imaging improves accuracy.

Option by option

  • A. Renal DMSA scan

    DMSA assesses renal cortex.

  • B. Technetium-99m HMPAO labelled autologous leucocyte scan (correct)

    Correct. Labelled leucocytes localise to infection with good specificity.

  • C. Three-phase bone scan alone

    A bone scan is sensitive but not specific, as remodelling after prosthesis also gives uptake.

  • D. Thyroid scan

    A thyroid scan has no role here.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is B, Technetium-99m HMPAO labelled autologous leucocyte scan. Labelled white cells migrate to sites of neutrophil-rich infection and are more specific than a bone scan, which also lights up with aseptic loosening and healing.

Why is "Renal DMSA scan" not the answer?

DMSA assesses renal cortex.

Why is "Three-phase bone scan alone" not the answer?

A bone scan is sensitive but not specific, as remodelling after prosthesis also gives uptake.

Why is "Thyroid scan" not the answer?

A thyroid scan has no role here.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Nuclear medicine: labelled leucocyte scan in Radiology. Combining with marrow imaging improves accuracy.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Nuclear medicine: labelled leucocyte scan?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.