Albumin labeled with iodine-131: properties, applications and limitations
Albumin is a polypeptide protein that is one of the main components of blood serum. It is used in medicine as a plasma substitute to compensate for protein deficiency in the patient's body. One type of albumin is iodine-131 labeled albumin.
Iodine-131-labeled albumin is albumin that is labeled with the radioactive isotope iodine-131. This allows it to be used for diagnosing various diseases, including tumors. It is injected into the patient's body intravenously, after which its distribution throughout the tissues is assessed using special equipment.
The use of iodine-131 labeled albumin is limited. It may cause side effects such as fever, low back pain, and hives. Its use is also contraindicated in cases of thrombosis, severe hypertension, ongoing internal bleeding and severe forms of heart failure. It should be used with caution when cardiac function is depressed to avoid the occurrence of acute heart failure.
Thus, iodine-131-labeled albumin is an important drug that is used to diagnose various diseases. However, its use must be carefully justified and carried out under the supervision of medical personnel.