Technetium (Sup99m/Suptc) Pertechnetate

What it is and how it works

Sodium pertechnetate (99mTcO4−) is eluted from a 99Mo/99mTc generator; technetium-99m emits 140 keV gamma photons with a physical half-life of about 6 hours. The pertechnetate ion behaves like iodide and is concentrated by the thyroid, salivary glands, gastric mucosa and choroid plexus. It is also the starting material for labelling most technetium kits.

Indications

Thyroid scintigraphy; salivary gland and ectopic gastric mucosa (Meckel’s diverticulum) imaging; blood pool and vesico-ureteric reflux studies; radiolabelling of technetium preparation kits.

Dosage and administration (summary)

Activity is individualised by the nuclear medicine specialist according to the study type, patient weight and local diagnostic reference levels.

Contraindications

No absolute contraindications for diagnostic use apart from hypersensitivity; procedures in pregnancy should be avoided unless clearly necessary.

Warnings and precautions

Radiation exposure must be justified and kept as low as reasonably achievable; patients should be well hydrated and void frequently. Breast-feeding should be interrupted for a period after administration, as pertechnetate is excreted in breast milk. Handle and dispose of according to radiation protection regulations.

Pregnancy

Pertechnetate crosses the placenta; use only when the diagnostic benefit outweighs the fetal radiation risk.

Storage and supply

Store the generator below 25 °C in appropriate lead shielding; use the eluate within the time stated by the manufacturer.

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