Technetium (99mtc) Hynic-ubiquicidine (29-41)

What it is and how it works

Ubiquicidin 29–41 is a cationic fragment of a human antimicrobial peptide that binds preferentially to the anionic surface of bacterial (and some fungal) cell membranes. Labelled with technetium-99m via HYNIC, it accumulates at sites of viable microbial infection with relatively little uptake in sterile inflammation, allowing scintigraphic localisation of infection.

Indications

Scintigraphic imaging to detect and localise bacterial infection (e.g. osteomyelitis, prosthetic joint and soft-tissue infection) and to help distinguish infection from sterile inflammation, in specialist centres.

Dosage and administration (summary)

Activity is individualised by the nuclear medicine specialist according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local protocols.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the peptide or kit components.

Warnings and precautions

Clinical evidence is more limited than for labelled leucocyte imaging; interpret findings with clinical and microbiological data. Prior antibiotic therapy may reduce uptake. Radiation exposure should be justified and minimised; interrupt breast-feeding temporarily.

Pregnancy

Generally avoided in pregnancy; use only if clearly necessary.

Storage and supply

Store the kit as specified by the manufacturer; use the labelled product within the stated time, in lead shielding.

Source: reference summary prepared from the EU SmPC/EPAR, BNF and WHO Model Formulary. The approved product information in Iran governs.