Indicated for: diagnostic imaging
Route of administration: injectable
Substance: technetium (99mTc) macroaggregated albumin (contrast agent)
ATC: V09EB01 (Various | Respiratory system | Technetium (99mtc), particles for injection)
Technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin is a radiopharmaceutical used for imaging tests, not for treating disease. It is mainly used in lung perfusion scintigraphy to show how blood flows through the lungs, for example when a doctor suspects or follows up pulmonary embolism.
After injection into a vein, tiny albumin particles temporarily lodge in the small blood vessels of the lungs and emit a small amount of radiation detected by a gamma camera. In adults, the product may also be used to assess whether a peritoneovenous shunt is open. The result helps the doctor decide whether further tests or treatment are needed.
Before the injection, tell the healthcare team if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have severe pulmonary hypertension, heart disease, a right-to-left shunt or allergy to human albumin. The dose is calculated by a nuclear medicine specialist, and radiation exposure is kept as low as reasonably possible.
Side effects are uncommon but may include flushing, hives, nausea, chest discomfort, changes in pulse or blood pressure and, very rarely, serious allergic reactions. After the scan you may be advised to drink fluids and pass urine often to help clear the radioactivity from your body more quickly.