Paper
Silicon Sealed Tampons Effectively Prevent Urinary Contamination of Vaginal Tampons
- Authors:
- Gustav K. von Schulthess; David A. Scheiner; Katharina M. Rentsch; Thomas F. Hany; Irene A. Burger
- Abstract
- Objectives: Vaginal tampons can be contaminated with urine in up to 40% of women after voiding only once during FDG PET/CT examinations. Although this might not represent a general population, we believe that urinary contamination of vaginal tampons could be a general problem and lead to discomfort and infections. In this study we hypothesize that basal sealing of vaginal tampons can prevent this contamination. Methods: FDG used for oncology imaging is secreted over the kidneys and accumulates in urine. To assess the new silicon coated tampons we prospectively included 20 women referred to FDG PET/CT in an oncology setting. All women were provided a vaginal tampon with a coated base. 50 minutes after FDG injection, just before imaging, all patients were asked to void. Vaginal tampons were analyzed for creatinine concentration and FDG activity. Results were compared with published data of 62 women with normal vaginal tampons to compare urine contamination. Results: Two out of twenty coated vaginal tampons were creatinine positive and had increased FDG activity. This was a significant reduction of FDG activity and thus urinary contamination, compared to the contamination rate of 40% in regular vaginal tampons (p=0.025). Conclusion: Urinary contamination of vaginal tampons can be prevented or reduced with a silicon coated base, this could increase comfort and hygiene.
- Keywords
- Artifact; FDG-PET/CT; Vaginal Tampon; Silicon Coating; Urinary Contaminatio
- StartPage
- 161
- EndPage
- 167
- Doi