A technique for the quantitative measurement of the function of each kidney

Abstract

The quantitative measurement of the function of each kidney is at present possible with many radionuclide methods. From among them, those of primary interest here are the ones that simultaneously provide a quantitative value for the function of each kidney without the use of traumatizing techniques. Three of the methods are primarily only semiquantitative: Taplin's technique and its derivatives, which measure radioiodinated Hippuran clearance from a renogram curve; Schlegel's analysis of each kidney's activity after a 203 Hg-chlormerodrin scan; and the 197Hg-chlormerodrin accumulation test proposed by Reba et al. Two others are quantitative in nature: measurement of radioiodinated Hippuran clearance when the two ureters are compressed and measurement of the Hg renal uptake level using 197HgCl2. Both are accurate, reproducible, and closely correlated to conventional methods. All of these semiquantitative and quantitative methods are easy to use and are willingly accepted by patients. The former, generally very simple and quickly carried out, are valuable for the clinician when an approximate estimate of the value of kidney function is needed quickly. Quantitative methods generally take more time to carry out or require more precautions in their application; consequently they are reserved for cases in which the exact value of the renal function of each kidney must be determined.