Determination of [99]Mo contamination in [99m]Tc elute obtained from [99]Mo / [99m]Tc- generator

ABSTRACT

[99m]Tc is a widely used radioisotope in nuclear medicine centers which is obtained by elution from Mo-[99]/Tc-[99m] generators. Usually the generators are either supplied by the Iran Atomic Energy Agency or by private companies from foreign countries. In this study we have measured [99]Mo contamination in [99m]Tc elute from different generators in a period of one year. The radionuclide impurity of the [99m]Tc elute were studied in two types of radionuclide generators [A produced in Iran and B imported from other country]. In-vitro measurements were performed using dose calibrator. Direct measurements were made, using a standard canister at the time of milking of the generators and also in subsequent hours after milking. The results showed a mean of [99]Mo impurity in generators A and B to be 0.00932 +/- 0.0043 and 0.0170 +/- 0.0127 respectively. Although the results showed that the [99]Mo contamination in [99m]Tc elute was lesser than the maximum accepted activity limit of 0.015%, the difference in these two types may reflect different methods of productions of generator, as well as the quality control procedures. The mean of [99]Mo contamination in generators produced in Iran Atomic Energy Organization was lesser than generators imported from foreign origin