How many minutes after administration of 99mTc mertiatide should the maximum amount of tracer be concentrated in a normal kidney?

The timing of tracer concentration following the administration of 99mTc mertiatide, also known as 99mTc MAG3, is essential for optimizing the imaging of renal function. In a normal kidney, peak tracer uptake typically occurs within just a few minutes post-injection, specifically between 3 to 5 minutes.

This rapid accumulation reflects the dynamic nature of renal pharmacokinetics, as 99mTc mertiatide is efficiently cleared by the kidneys via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. The early imaging window is crucial for obtaining the best quality images to assess renal perfusion and function, making it imperative to understand that the maximum concentration of the tracer in the kidney aligns with this timeframe.

In comparison, the other options suggest longer times which would not align with the known renal uptake kinetics of 99mTc mertiatide. After approximately 5 minutes, while some degree of further uptake may occur, the rate significantly decreases as the tracer is cleared from circulation. Thus, monitoring renal function after the correct timing ensures the most accurate diagnostic information.