Does the preparation and utilization of 99mTc-sulfur colloid affect the outcomes of breast lymphoscintigraphy?

Unlabelled: The purpose of this study was to determine whether certain factors in the preparation and use of (99m)Tc-sulfur colloid affected the number of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) detected during SLN mapping and during intraoperative SLN identification. The factors that were investigated included the use of a dry heat block versus a hot water bath to heat the (99m)Tc-sulfur colloid bulk vial, amount of (99m)TcOH4(-) added to form the sulfur colloid particles, time between the unit dose calibration and the injection of the dose, and breast quadrant in which the injection occurred.

Methods: Data were collected retrospectively and quantitatively analyzed from images and reports of 488 patients with breast cancer who had undergone SLN mapping and intraoperative SLN identification from January 1, 2008, to June 30, 2011, inclusive.