Technetium (99mTc) mertiatide complex is the radiopharmaceuticalagent of choice to provide information about relativefunction of the kidneys and urine outflow because of itshigh renal extraction efficiency. Indications include renalartery stenosis in nonperfused kidneys, renal transplant assessment,and outflow obstruction.
The kit includes a reaction vial containing betiatide (amertiatide prodrug), stannous chloride dihydrate, sodiumtartrate, and lactose monohydrate sealed under argon. A filter-containing vented needle is also included. Betiatide mustbe protected from light. The generator elution utilized forthe preparation of this complex should be no more than6 hours old. The complex is prepared by inserting the ventingneedle through the shielded reaction vial’s rubber stopperand then adding sodium pertechnetate (99mTc) to theshielded reaction vial. Before the pertechnetate syringe is removed,the plunger should be pulled back so that 2 mL ofroom air replaces the argon in the vial. Room air is requiredto for oxidation of excess stannous ion to ensure high radiochemicalpurity. The reaction vial is heated at 100°C for10 minutes and then allowed to cool for 15 minutes.Initially, a weak 99mTc-tartrate complex is formed followedby ligand exchange with mertiatide (formed by the hydrolysisof betiatide) to form the desired technetium (99mTc) mertiatidecomplex.
