A SIMPLIFIED DETERMINATION OF GLOMERULAR-FILTRATION RATE WITH 99TCM-DTPA

Using Tc-99(m)-diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (DTPA) an acceptable est imate of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) can be obtained in adult pat ients by the equation GF (ml/min) = (0.14 x W + 5) x 1000 x k, where W is the 'ideal' body mass (kg) and k the slope determined by two plasm a samples. This has been verified in comparison with the results of th e Russell (two samples) and Christensen (one sample) methods in 50 pat ients. The procedure, which does not require determination of the inje cted dose, could be useful in patients undergoing sequential renal sci ntigraphy with Tc-99(m)-DTPA, for example, to check a doubtful value o f glomerular filtration obtained by external counting.