What radiopharmaceutical is used to measure the glomerular filtration rate (GFR)?

The measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is crucial in assessing kidney function, and the radiopharmaceutical used for this purpose is 99mTc pentetate. This compound is a technetium-99m-labeled complex that is filtered by the kidneys, making it particularly well-suited for evaluating renal function.

99mTc pentetate is administered intravenously, and following its distribution, it is predominantly excreted by the kidneys through glomerular filtration. This allows for accurate determination of the GFR, which can be calculated by measuring the clearance of the radiopharmaceutical from the bloodstream over a specified period. Furthermore, its properties, including the effective half-life and radiation characteristics, contribute to optimal imaging results and patient safety.

Other options listed, while they are indeed technetium-based radiopharmaceuticals, do not serve the same purpose in evaluating GFR. 99mTc sulfur colloid, for example, is utilized primarily in hepatic function studies and spleen imaging. 99mTc gluceptate and 99mTc mertiatide (or MAG3) are used for renal imaging, but they are not the standard choice for quantifying GFR compared to 99mTc pentet