Why Technegas is Fast Replacing 99mTc-Based Aerosols in Lung Scintigraphy

ABSTRACT

Aim/Introduction: Technegas is fast becoming the gold standard for lung ventilation scintigraphy in Canada. Technegas is a carbonbased nanoparticle bound to 99mTc which is small enough to behave more like a gas than an aerosol. Due to its small size, Technegas can easily perfuse the peripheral airways and does not aggregate in the central airways like larger aerosol particles often do. Furthermore, since the Covid-19 pandemic began, there has been a significant drop in ventilation studies performed due to the risk of exposure to the virus when using traditional aerosols. Improved image quality, fast and easy administration, enhanced patient comfort, and ability to safely administer Technegas with Covid-19 positive patients makes Technegas far superior to traditional Tc-based aerosols. Material(s) and Method(s) A review of the literature comparing Technegas to other commonly used 99mTcbased lung ventilation imaging agents was conducted. Recent purchasers of Technegas units were interviewed to determine their motivation for switching to Technegas and their overall impression with using it after changing over. Result(s) The small particle size, reduced central airways deposition, and lack of lung clearance leads to improved count-statistics and better target-to-non-target ratio, which allows for SPECT imaging, which is not feasible when using traditional aerosols. Technologists report that administering Technegas is far easier and faster than administering traditional aerosols. Often patients only require 1 or 2 breaths of Technegas to achieve the desired count rate, as opposed to 5 or more minutes of breathing an aerosol. Technegas is a 'dry' aerosol, which means that it is considered a non-aerosol generating procedure, so it is safe to use on Covid-19 positive patients. Justifying the small start-up cost to purchase a Technegas generator was the limiting factor for departments delaying their switch to Technegas. Canada's health care system is publicly-funded, which often delays widespread access to technological advancements. The Covid-19 pandemic has increased demand for Technegas across Canada, which has resulted in increased funding to purchase more Generators. Conclusion(s) Technegas is far superior to other 99mTc-based aerosols used in ventilation imaging and is fast replacing Tc-based aerosols as the agent of choice in nuclear medicine departments across Canada.