White cell scan — Patient information · Ruqelo Health
Diagnostics·Diagnostics
White cell scan
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Educational summary — not medical advice. Discuss with your healthcare provider.
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
A white cell scan is a special imaging test that tracks where your white blood cells are going in your body. White blood cells are part of your immune system that fight infection. For this test, a small amount of a safe radioactive substance is attached to your white blood cells. Then a camera takes pictures to see if the white blood cells are gathering in an area that might be infected or inflamed. The scan helps doctors find hidden infections that other tests might miss.
Key facts
The scan uses a very low dose of radiation, much less than a CT scan.
You usually have an injection, then wait a few hours before the pictures are taken.
The test is painless and does not require staying in the hospital.
Questions about this article
Results help guide treatment, such as antibiotics or drainage procedures.
White cell scans are not done for everyone, but they are a standard test when a doctor suspects a hidden infection, especially in bones, joints, or the belly area. This test is used in many hospitals worldwide.
A white cell scan is done for people of all ages who have signs of an infection that isn't easy to find. It is often used for people with fever without a clear cause, people with artificial joints that might be infected, or people with bone infections.
Symptoms
Call emergency services immediately if you notice:
High fever (over 39°C or 102°F) with shaking chills and confusion
Trouble breathing or chest pain
A wound that becomes very red, hot, or oozing pus with sudden vomiting
Seizure or loss of consciousness
See a doctor urgently (same day) if you notice:
⚠Fever that does not get better after 3 days
⚠Severe pain in a bone or joint that stops you from moving normally
⚠Swelling or redness around a surgical site that spreads rapidly
Common symptoms
Fever that lasts for days or weeks without a clear reason
Pain or swelling in a bone or joint that does not get better
Redness, warmth, or tenderness over a surgical wound or an area with a metal implant (like a hip or knee replacement)
Unexplained chills, night sweats, or feeling very tired
Symptoms in children
Fever that does not go away with normal fever medicine
Limping or refusing to put weight on a leg
Irritability or crying when touching a certain part of the body
Symptoms in older adults
Fever or low body temperature with confusion or disorientation
Pain in a joint that had an artificial replacement, especially if the pain is new or getting worse
Falls, weakness, or poor appetite that may be signs of an infection
Causes
Main causes
Bacterial infections deep in the body, such as in bones (osteomyelitis), joints, or the abdomen (abscess)
Inflammation from conditions like severe arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease
Infection of artificial joints, heart valves, or other surgical implants
Fever of unknown origin, where the cause is not found by other tests
Risk factors
Recent surgery, especially on bones or joints
Having an artificial joint, metal plate, or other implant
A weak immune system from diabetes, cancer treatment, or long-term steroid use
Chronic wounds, such as pressure sores or diabetic foot ulcers
Intravenous (IV) drug use
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
If you have a fever with confusion, chest pain, or difficulty breathing – call emergency services right away.
If you have sudden severe pain or swelling in a bone or joint and cannot move it at all.
If you have signs of sepsis: high fever, fast heart rate, confusion, and feeling very ill.
Book a routine appointment if:
If you have had a fever for more than a week and your doctor has not found the cause.
If you have a persistent ache or pain in a bone or joint that does not get better with rest and over-the-counter pain relief.
If you have an artificial joint and notice any new pain, swelling, or warmth around it.
Having a white cell scan is a safe and helpful way to find hidden infections. Your healthcare team will explain everything and answer your questions. If you are worried about radiation, rest assured that the amount used is very small – similar to the radiation you get from normal background sources over a few months.
Diagnosis
The white cell scan itself is part of the diagnosis. Your doctor may first do blood tests and X-rays. If they still suspect an infection, they will arrange a white cell scan. The test involves a small injection of your own white blood cells that have been labelled with a safe radioactive tracer. Images are taken after a few hours to see where the white cells gather.
Tests that may be done
White cell scan (also called leukocyte scan or WBC scan)
CT scan or MRI to get more detail on the area of concern
Bone scan or bone biopsy, if needed
What to expect at your appointment
Before the test, you can eat and drink normally. A nurse will take a sample of your blood, separate the white cells, mix them with the radioactive tracer, and then inject the labelled cells back into your vein. You will wait 2 to 4 hours while the white cells travel through your body. Then a scanner (like a large camera) takes pictures. The whole visit may take 3 to 5 hours, but the scans themselves only take about an hour. You can usually go home the same day. The test is painless except for the needle stick.
Treatment
Treatment depends on what the white cell scan finds. If an infection is found, the main goal is to treat it with antibiotics or antifungal medicines. Sometimes the infected fluid or pus needs to be drained. If the infection is around an artificial joint, the joint might need to be removed temporarily and later replaced. Your doctor will create a plan based on the exact infection type and location.
Self-care at home
Take all prescribed medicines exactly as directed, even if you feel better.
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
Rest the affected area – avoid putting weight on a sore bone or joint.
Keep follow-up appointments so the doctor can check if the infection is gone.
Medical treatments
Antibiotics are the main treatment for bacterial infections. These are taken by mouth or through a vein (IV) in the hospital for several weeks. If the infection is in a bone or joint, you may need a longer course of antibiotics. Your doctor may also prescribe pain relievers (not named here) to help with discomfort. In some cases, anti-inflammatory medicines are used for inflammation without infection.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery may be needed to drain a pocket of pus (abscess), remove infected tissue, or take out an infected artificial joint or metal implant. After surgery, you may need IV antibiotics for weeks or months. Your surgical team will explain the specific procedure.
Living with this condition
If you are being treated for an infection found by a white cell scan, you may need to rest more and avoid heavy activities. Chronic infections can take weeks to treat, so be patient and follow your care plan. Your doctor will tell you when you can return to normal activities.
Lifestyle tips
Keep your hands clean and practice good hygiene to prevent other infections.
If you have diabetes, keep blood sugar under control – high sugar can make infections worse.
If you have a wound, clean it gently and watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth).
Avoid smoking – smoking slows healing and increases infection risk.
Diet and exercise
Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein to support your immune system. Drink enough water. Gentle movement, such as short walks, can help if your doctor says it is safe. Avoid strenuous exercise until the infection has cleared.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Living with a hidden infection or waiting for test results can be stressful and worrying. It is normal to feel anxious or frustrated. Talk to your doctor or a nurse about your concerns. You can also ask for help from a mental health professional if the feelings last a long time.
Prevention
Many infections that lead to a white cell scan are not completely preventable, but you can lower your risk. Keep your skin clean and treat cuts and scrapes right away. If you have a medical device, follow your doctor's cleaning instructions. Get recommended vaccinations and manage any long-term health conditions like diabetes.
Vaccines
Vaccines for infections like the flu, pneumococcal disease (lung infections), and tetanus can help reduce your chance of getting serious infections. Ask your doctor which vaccines are right for you.
Screening programmes
There is no routine screening test for hidden infections. White cell scans are only done when a doctor suspects a specific problem. If you have risk factors (like an artificial joint), regular check-ups with your surgeon can help catch problems early.
Complications
If left untreated
The infection can spread through the bloodstream to other organs (sepsis), which is life-threatening.
Bone infections can destroy bone tissue and lead to permanent damage or amputation.
Infected artificial joints can become loose and cause chronic pain or require complex surgery.
Chronic infections can cause long-term fatigue, weight loss, and poor overall health.
Long-term outlook
With prompt diagnosis and proper treatment, most infections found by a white cell scan can be cured. Antibiotics and careful medical care are very effective. Even complicated infections, like those around artificial joints, can often be successfully treated, though it may take longer and require multiple steps. Your healthcare team will work with you to get the best possible outcome. Most people recover fully and return to their normal life.
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Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.
