Chromium Cr-51
Chromium Cr-51 is a radioactive diagnostic isotope primarily used in nuclear medicine for red blood cell labeling studies. It helps evaluate blood cell survival, measure blood volume, and detect gastrointestinal bleeding by tracking tagged red blood cells through the body. This agent is administered under strict nuclear medicine protocols and is used when detailed information about red cell dynamics is needed.
Chromium Cr-51 is a radioactive isotope used to label red blood cells for diagnostic imaging of blood disorders and bleeding.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 1306065
- Generic
- Chromium Cr-51
- Class
- pin-variant
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Evaluation of red blood cell survival and destruction rates, blood volume measurements, detection and localization of gastrointestinal bleeding, and spleen imaging. May be used in combination with other diagnostic studies when assessing hemolytic disorders or unexplained anemia.
Chromium-51 is taken up by circulating red blood cells and binds to hemoglobin. The radioactive chromium remains trapped within cells, allowing clinicians to track cell movement and lifespan through the body using gamma camera detection. The isotope has a half-life of approximately 28 days and emits detectable gamma radiation.
This is a radioactive diagnostic agent that must be handled according to nuclear medicine safety protocols. Patients should inform healthcare providers of any allergies or previous reactions to chromium compounds. As a radiopharmaceutical, proper disposal and radiation safety measures are required. Not typically used in pregnant women unless medically necessary.
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy