Testing different storage conditions for ^99mTc-MAG3 kit: Can hot fractioning reduce the cost per unit dose?

Since its release for routine clinical use, ^99mTc- mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) has become an important alternative to ¹³¹I-labeled orthoiodohippuran. The cold kit for MAG3 is expensive, especially in developing countries. Therefore, unique storage conditions should be provided for cost reduction. Cold fractioning is a well-known procedure but has special requirements, such as a nitrogen tank and a laminar flow hood. The aim of this study was to prolong the shelf life of ^99mTc-labeled MAG3 by a hot fractioning method, which separates the patient doses after ^99mTc labeling. The radiochemical purity of the ^99mTc- labeled MAG3 kit was tested under different storage conditions. Hot fractioning of the ^99mTc-labeled MAG3 kit was found to be a possible alternative to cold fractioning for routine clinical studies.