Technetium (Sup99m/Suptc) Mebrofenin

What it is and how it works

Technetium-99m mebrofenin is an iminodiacetic acid derivative that binds to plasma proteins, is taken up by hepatocytes through organic anion transport and is excreted unchanged into the bile. Its high hepatic extraction allows imaging of hepatic function and biliary flow even with raised bilirubin.

Indications

Hepatobiliary scintigraphy: diagnosis of acute and chronic cholecystitis, biliary obstruction or leak, biliary atresia in infants, assessment of gallbladder function and of hepatic function (e.g. before liver resection).

Dosage and administration (summary)

Dosing (administered activity) is individualised according to protocol by the nuclear medicine specialist, in line with diagnostic reference levels and patient weight or age; given by intravenous injection after radiolabelling of the kit with sodium pertechnetate (99mTc).

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or any kit component.

Warnings and precautions

Fasting for several hours before the study is usually required, while prolonged fasting or parenteral nutrition may impair gallbladder visualisation; opioids may delay biliary transit. Radiolabelling and quality control must follow the product instructions, and radiation exposure should be kept as low as reasonably achievable.

Pregnancy

Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals should be avoided in pregnancy unless clearly necessary; exclude pregnancy before administration in women of childbearing potential.

Storage and supply

Store the unlabelled kit according to the manufacturer (typically below 25 °C or at 2–8 °C); after labelling, keep the preparation in lead shielding and use within the time stated in the product information.

Source: reference summary prepared from the EU SmPC/EPAR, BNF and WHO Model Formulary. The approved product information in Iran governs.