On the Purity of Eluates from ^99mTc Generators

Abstract

Five different ⁹⁹Mo/^99mTc generators of the AI₂O₃ type have been studied. Results for recovery of ^99mTcO⁻4, radionuclide purity, radiochemical purity, and aluminium content of the eluates are presented. A rapid thin-layer chromatographic method for the determination of radiochemical purity is introduced. Atomic absorption spectroscopy and neutron activation analysis was used to determine soluble and particulate aluminium, respectively. The eluates generally showed high and satisfactory radionuclidic and radiochemical purity. Aluminium was found at highly variable concentrations and was found to be present essentially in soluble form.

Key Words:

• Chromatography
• thin-layer
• ⁹⁹Molybdenum
• radiochemical purity
• radioisotope generators
• radioisotopes
• radionuclidic purity
• ^99mTechnetium