2.1 Recommended Doses

• Breast cancer setting in adults: 3.7 to 37 MBq (0.1 to 1 mCi) in volumes ranging from 0.1 to 1 mL by subcutaneous injection.
• Peritoneo-venous (LeVeen) shunt setting in adults: 37 to 111 MBq (1 to 3 mCi) by intraperitoneal injection,  or 12 to 37 MBq (0.3 to 1 mCi) in a volume not to exceed 0.5 mL by percutaneous transtubal (efferent limb) injection. Patient repositioning or other measures may be used to help assure uniform mixing of the radiopharmaceutical with peritoneal fluid.
• Imaging areas of functioning reticuloendothelial cells:
  

  In adults:

  • liver/spleen imaging: 37 to 296 MBq (1 to 8 mCi) by intravenous injection;
  • bone marrow imaging: 111 to 444 MBq (3 to 12 mCi) by intravenous injection.

  In pediatric patients:

  • liver/spleen imaging in children: 0.56 to 2.78 MBq (0.015 to 0.075 mCi) per kg of body weight (BW) by intravenous injection;
  • liver/spleen imaging in newborns: 7.4 to 18.5 MBq (0.20 MBq to 0.50 mCi) by intravenous injection;
  • bone marrow imaging: 1.11 to 5.55 MBq (0.03 to 0.15 mCi) per kg of BW by intravenous injection.
• Gastroesophageal and pulmonary aspiration imaging studies:

  In adults:

  • gastroesophageal studies: 5.55 to 11.1 MBq (0.15 to 0.30 mCi) by oral administration;
  • pulmonary aspiration studies: 11.1 to 18.5 MBq (0.30 to 0.50 mCi) by oral administration.

  In pediatric patients:

  • gastroesophageal and pulmonary aspiration studies: 3.7 to 11.1 MBq (0.10 to 0.30 mCi) by oral or nasogastric tube administration. For oral administration,

    combine the radiopharmaceutical with a milk feeding. For nasogastric tube administration, administer the radiopharmaceutical into the stomach then instill a normal volume of dextrose or milk feeding.

2.2 Drug Preparation and Administration

• The contents of the two Solution vials, the Solution A vial containing the appropriate acidic solution and the Solution B vial containing the appropriate buffer solution, are intended only for use in the preparation of the Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection and are not to be directly administered to the patient.
• Do not use Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m containing oxidants to reconstitute this kit.
• The contents of the kit are not radioactive. However, after the Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m is added, maintain adequate shielding of the final preparation. Wear waterproof gloves during the preparation procedure.
• Do not use Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m containing more than 10 micrograms per mL of aluminum ion because a flocculent precipitate may occur and such a precipitate may localize in the lung.
• The contents of the kit are sterile and non-pyrogenic. This preparation contains no bacteriostatic preservative. Follow the directions carefully and adhere strictly to aseptic procedures during preparation.

Prepare Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection by the following aseptic procedure:

1. Remove the dark brown plastic cap from the Sulfur Colloid multi-dose Reaction Vial and swab the top of the vial closure with alcohol to sterilize the surface. Complete the radiation label and affix to the vial. Place the vial in an appropriate lead-capped radiation shield labeled and identified.
2. With a sterile shielded syringe, aseptically obtain 1 to 3 mL of a suitable, oxidant-free sterile and non-pyrogenic Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m, each milliliter containing a maximum activity of 18,500 MBq (500 mCi).
3. Aseptically add the Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m to the vial.
4. Place a lead cover on the vial shield and dissolve the reagent by gentle swirling.
5. Just before use, remove the red cap from the Solution A vial and swab the top of the vial closure with alcohol to sterilize the surface. Using a sterile needle and syringe, aseptically withdraw 1.5 mL Solution A from the vial. Aseptically Inject 1.5mL Solution A into the multi-dose Reaction Vial and swirl again.
6. Transfer the multi-dose Reaction Vial from vial shield and place in a vigorously boiling water bath (water bath should be shielded with 1/8” to 1/4” lead) deep enough to cover the entire liquid contents of the vial. Keep the vial in the water bath for five minutes.
7. Remove the multi-dose Reaction Vial from the water bath and place in the lead shield and allow to cool for three minutes. Swab the vial closure again with an antiseptic.
8. Just before use, remove the blue cap from the Solution B vial and swab the top of the vial closure with alcohol to sterilize the surface. Using a sterile needle and syringe, aseptically withdraw 1.5 mL Solution B from the vial. Aseptically Inject 1.5 mL Solution B into the multi-dose Reaction Vial and swirl again.
9. Record time and date of preparation.
10. Allow the preparation to cool to body temperature before use. Maintain adequate shielding of the radioactive colloid preparation at all times.
11. Where appropriate, dilute the preparation with sterile Sodium Chloride Injection to bring the dosage to within the recommended range.
12. Mix the multi-dose Reaction Vial and aseptically withdraw material with a sterile shielded syringe for use within 6 hours of preparation. For optimum results this time should be minimized. The vial contains no bacteriostatic preservative. Store the reconstituted vial at 20 to 25°C (68 to77°F). Discard vial 6 hours after reconstitution.
    

Measure the patient dose by a suitable radioactivity calibration system immediately before administration. Check radiochemical purity before patient administration.

Inspect Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection visually for particulate matter and discoloration before administration, whenever solution and container permit. Do not administer the drug if it contains particulate matter or discoloration; dispose of these unacceptable or unused preparations in a safe manner, in compliance with applicable regulations.

2.3 Radiation Dosimetry

• Subcutaneous injection to assist in lymph node localization
  

Table 1. Estimated Adult Absorbed Radiation Doses from Subcutaneous Administration of Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection (mSv/MBq and rem/mCi)1

1Bergqvist L, Strand S-E, Persson B, et al. Dosimetry in
Lymphoscintigraphy of Tc 99m Antimony Sulfide Colloid,
J Nucl Med, 23: 698-705, 1982.

● Intravenous Injection

Adult Radiation Doses

Table 2. Estimated Adult Absorbed Radiation Doses from Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection Administration (mSv/MBq and rem/mCi)2

2Modified from Summary of Current Radiation Dose Estimates to Humans with Various Liver Conditions from 99m Tc-Sulfur Colloid, MIRD Dose Estimate Report No 3, J Nucl Med 16: 108A - 108B, 197 

Pediatric Radiation Doses

Table 3A. Estimated Pediatric Absorbed Radiation Doses from Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection Administration of 1 MBq and 1 mCi for Liver/Spleen and Bone Marrow Imaging (in mSv/MBq and rem/mCi)3

3from Age-dependent “S” values of Henrichs et al, Berlin 1982, except for the 1-year old.
The 1-year old “S” values were taken from phantom work of the Metabolism and Dosimetry Group at ORNL

Table 3B. Estimated Pediatric Maximum Absorbed Radiation Doses from Administration of the Maximum Recommended Dose for Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection (mSv and rem) 3

*a liver/spleen imaging

*b bone marrow imaging

3.from Age-dependent “S” values of Henrichs et al., Berlin 1982, except for the 1-year old.
The 1-year old “S” values were taken from phantom work of the Metabolism and Dosimetry Group at ORNL

• Oral Administration

Table 4. Adult Radiation Absorbed Dose from Oral Administration of 1mCi of Technetium Tc99m Sulfur Colloid Injection (mSv/MBq and rem/mCi)

• Intraperitoneal Injection

Table 5. Adult Absorbed Radiation Dose from Intraperitoneal Injection of 3 mCi of Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid (mSv/MBq and rem/mCi)

Assumptions: Calculations for the absorbed radiation dose are based upon an effective half-time of 3 hours for the open shunt and 6.02 hours for the closed shunt and an even distribution of the radiopharmaceutical in the peritoneal cavity with no biological clearance. 

• Other Exposure Estimates

Table 6. Radiation Doses to Hospital Personnel (µSv/MBq and mrem/mCi)

*Using shielded vial and syringe

2.4 Imaging Considerations

Breast cancer setting in adults:

• In clinical studies, patients received injection of Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection and a concomitant blue dye tracer in order to enhance the ability to detect lymph nodes. Visual inspection was performed to identify the blue-labeled nodes and a hand held gamma counter was used to identify nodes concentrating the radiopharmaceutical. Multiple methods were used to detect the concentrated radioactivity within lymph nodes. For example, investigators used thresholds of background radioactivity to localize nodes containing a minimum of radioactive counts 3 times higher than the background or containing at least 10 fold higher counts than contiguous nodes.
  
• Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection and other tracers may not localize all lymph nodes and the tracers may differ in their extent of lymph node localization. The lymph node localization of Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection is dependent upon the underlying patency and structure of the lymphatic system, the extent of functional reticuloendothelial cells within lymph nodes and the radiopharmaceutical injection technique. Distortion of the underlying lymphatic system architecture and function by prior surgery, radiation or extensive metastatic disease may result in failure of the radiopharmaceutical and other tracers to localize lymph nodes. The use of Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection is intended to supplement palpation, visual inspection and other procedures important to lymph node localization. [see Clinical Studies (14)]
  

Peritoneo-venous (LeVeen) shunt setting in adults: Following administration of Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection into the peritoneal cavity, the radiopharmaceutical mixes with the peritoneal fluid. Clearance from the peritoneal cavity varies from insignificant, which may occur with complete shunt blockage, to very rapid clearance with subsequent transfer into the systemic circulation when the shunt is patent. Following transfer into the systemic circulation, the radiopharmaceutical concentrates within the liver (a target organ). Obtain serial images of both the shunt and liver. An adequate evaluation of the difference between total blockage of the shunt and partial blockage may not be feasible in all cases. Transperitoneal absorption of sulfur colloid into the systemic circulation may occur, but it occurs slowly. Therefore, the most definitive scintigraphic evaluation of shunt patency will generally be obtained if there is visualization of both the shunt itself and the liver and/or spleen within the first three hours post intraperitoneal injection of the radiopharmaceutical.

Imaging areas of functioning reticuloendothelial cells in liver, spleen or bone marrow: Altered biodistribution with lung and soft tissue uptake instead of reticuloendothelial system has been reported after intravenous injection. The size and physical-chemical properties of the sulfur colloid particles formed from the components of the kit may determine the biodistribution of the colloid and its uptake by the reticuloendothelial system. Diseases affecting the reticuloendothelial system may also alter the expected uptake pattern.

Gastroesophageal and pulmonary aspiration imaging studies: To facilitate the imaging of gastroesophageal reflux consider administering Sulfur Colloid by nasogastric tube.

5.1 Anaphylactic Reactions

Anaphylactic reactions with bronchospasm, hypotension, urticaria and rare fatalities have occurred following intravenously administered Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection. Have emergency resuscitation equipment and personnel immediately available.

5.2 Radiation Risks

Radiation-emitting products, including Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection, may increase the risk for cancer, especially in pediatric patients. Use the smallest dose necessary for imaging and ensure safe handling to protect the patient and health care worker. [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

5.3 Altered Distribution, Accumulation of Tracer in the Lungs

Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection is physically unstable, and the particles will settle with time or with exposure to polyvalent cations. These larger particles are likely to be trapped by the pulmonary capillary bed following intravenous injection and result in non-uniform distribution of radioactivity. Agitate the vial adequately before administration of sulfur colloid to avoid particle aggregation and non-uniform distribution of radioactivity. Discard unused drug after 6 hours from the time of formulation. [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]

8.1 Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C: There are no adequate or well-controlled studies of Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection in pregnant women, but Technetium Tc 99m crosses the placenta. Among 14 infants born to pregnant patients exposed to Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection for lymph node localization, no birth defects were reported following drug exposure. No reproduction and development studies in animals have been performed. Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

8.3 Nursing Mothers

Technetium Tc 99m is excreted in human milk during lactation. If nursing, patients should express and discard milk for a minimum of 6 hours after administration of Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection. Following higher dose procedures [greater than 370 MBq (10 mCi)], patients should minimize close contact with infants for 6 hours after receiving a Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection.

8.4 Pediatric Use

The safety and efficacy of Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid kit in pediatric patients has been shown for the following indications: liver, spleen, and bone marrow imaging, and gastroesophageal and pulmonary aspiration studies.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of Kit for the Preparation of Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.

8.6 Females of Reproductive Potential

In Females of reproductive potential, imaging procedures with Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid injection should be performed within ten days following the onset of menses or a pregnancy test should be performed within 48 hours of the procedure.

11.1 Physical Characteristics

Technetium Tc 99m decays by isomeric transition with a physical half-life of 6.02 hours.4 The principal photon that is useful for detection and imaging studies is listed in Table 7.

Table 7. Principal Radiation Emission Data4

4 Kocher DC: Radioactive decay data tables. DOE/TIC-11026: 108, 1981

11.2 External Radiation

The specific gamma ray constant for Tc 99m is 0.78 R/millicurie-hr at 1cm. The first half-value layer is 0.017 cm of lead (Pb). A range of values for the relative attenuation of the radiation emitted by this radionuclide that results from interposition of various thicknesses of Pb is shown in Table 8. For example, the use of a 0.25 cm thickness of Pb will attenuate the radiation emitted by a factor of about 1,000. 

Table 8. Radiation Attenuation by Lead Shielding

To correct for physical decay of this radionuclide, the fractions that remain at selected intervals after the time of calibration are shown in Table 9.

Table 9. Physical Decay Chart: Tc 99m, half-life 6.02 hours

*Calibration time

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Technetium Tc 99m decays by isomeric transition, emitting a photon that can be detected for imaging purposes. [see Description (11.1)]

Following subcutaneous injection, Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid enters the lymphatic capillaries and is transported with lymph to lymph nodes. However, when there is massive nodal metastatic involvement, the normal transport to lymph nodes is lost because few normal cells remain in the node. [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)]

Following intraperitoneal injection, Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid mixes with the peritoneal fluid; rate of clearance from the cavity allows assessment of the patency of the shunt. Clearance varies from insignificant, which may occur with complete shunt blockage, to very rapid clearance with subsequent transfer into the systemic circulation when the shunt is patent.

Following intravenous injection, Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid is taken up by the reticuloendothelial system (RES), allowing RES rich structures to be imaged.

With oral administration, Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid is not absorbed accounting for its function in esophageal transit studies, gastroesophageal reflux scintigraphy, and for the detection of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Following intravenous administration, Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection is rapidly cleared from the blood by the reticuloendothelial system with a nominal half-life of approximately 2 1/2 minutes. Uptake of the radioactive colloid by organs of the RES is dependent upon both their relative blood flow rates and the functional capacity of the phagocytic cells. In the average patient 80 to 90% of the injected collodial particles are phagocytized by the Kupffer cells of the liver, 5 to 10% by the spleen and the balance by the bone marrow.

Following oral ingestion, Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid is distributed primarily through the gastrointestinal tract with elimination primarily through the feces.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

No long-term animal studies have been performed to evaluate carcinogenic potential or whether Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid affects fertility in males or females. Mutagenesis studies have not been conducted.

14.1 Tracer Localization to Lymph Nodes in Breast Cancer

A systematic review of 43 publications examined procedures that used the injection of Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection and a blue dye (tracers) to assist surgeons in the localization of lymph nodes among patients with a primary breast cancer lesion. From these publications, 15 studies were identified for inclusion within a meta-analysis, based upon the following criteria: prospective design, minimum number of 50 lymph node localization procedures, and paired outcome data available for both Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection and blue dye. Within these studies, the number of procedures ranged from 62 to 6,197; in general one procedure involved a single patient but in some uncommon situations, one patient underwent more than one procedure. The patients received subcutaneous Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection doses ranging between 0.1 and 2 mCi. The mean age of patients ranged from 52 to 60 years, and almost all were female. Lymph nodes that contained radioactivity were generally localized based upon increased counts, in comparison to a background threshold (e.g., nodes containing a minimum of radioactive counts 3 times higher than background or containing at least 10 fold higher counts than contiguous nodes). Radioactivity was measured using a handheld gamma counter.

Random effect meta-analytic measures were used for estimating various rates of tracer localization by procedure and respective confidence intervals for blue dye and Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection. Table 10 summarizes the percentage of procedures in which at least one of the resected lymph nodes contained a tracer (radiopharmaceutical and/or blue dye) as well as the percentage of procedures in which none of the resected nodes contained a tracer. In general, most procedures involved the resection of lymph nodes in which a tracer had localized to at least one node. However, in some procedures (estimated at approximately 3.4%) neither tracer was localized to a resected lymph node. The reports were insufficient to establish the basis for failed tracer localization. [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)]

Table 10. Tracer Localization by Procedure*

*Percentage of procedures in which at least one lymph node contained the specific tracer; the percents do not add to 100% due to rounding.

BD = blue dye, SCI = Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection

In some of the publications, different methods of Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid Injection administration were compared: intradermal (ID), subareolar (SA) and intraparenchymal (IP) methods. Generally, more favorable results were seen using the ID and SA routes, with less favorable results reported when surgeons used the IP method.

4. Kocher DC: Radioactive decay data tables. DOE/TIC-11026: 108, 1981.