Prospective validation of a single sample technique to determine technetium-99m-MAG3 clearance

Technetium-99m-MAG3 clearance is proportional to OIH clearance and can be used directly as a measure of renal function. Multiple plasma sample, two-compartment clearance data from three studies were recently pooled to develop a single-sample regression equation for determining the clearance of 99mTc-MAG3. To test this published equation, a prospective study was conducted in 34 patients with a wide range of renal function. Multiple plasma samples were obtained from 9 to 60 min following the bolus injection of 99mTc-MAG3 and the clearances were calculated based on a single injection, two-compartment model. Clearances were also calculated using a single 43-min plasma sample and the published regression equation. There was an excellent correlation (r = 0.976) between the two clearances; the slope of the regression line was 1.01 with an intercept of -26.6; the standard error of the estimate was 24 ml/min. In conclusion, the current regression equation provides a good estimate of 99mTc-MAG3 clearance.