Pages: 68-73

Authors: Jurij Vučina, Nadežda Nikolić, Djokica Petrović

Abstract

Several types of generators have been developed for the production of ^99mTc. Due to its excellent performances, the chromatographic type, based on the fission-produced ⁹⁹Mo sorbed in alumina, is predominant. Technetium-99m is obtained in the form of sodium pertechnetate- ^99mTc. However, due to the known disadvantages of the production of (n, f) ⁹⁹Mo, attempts are made to avoid uranium fission. The technologies based on (n, g ) ⁹⁹Mo (sublimation, extraction, gel) are, with the exception of the gel generator, of limited importance. Certain nuclear reactions in cyclotrons can produce ⁹⁹Mo (or directly ^99mTc) but the obtained results are still not satisfying. Technetium-99m is used in the form of radiopharmaceuticals which are prepared by addition of ^99mTc-eluate to the inactive components comprised in the "cold" kits. The chromatographic (n, f) ⁹⁹Mo/ ^99mTc generator and several ^99mTc-radiopharmaceuticals have been developed and are regularly produced in the Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences (Laboratory for Radioisotopes).

Key words: technetium-99m, molybdenum-99, technetium-99m-generator, technetium-99m-radiopharmaceuticals

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