An update on the direct production of {sup 99m}Tc with proton beams and enriched {sup 100}Mo targets
- Univ. of California, Davis, CA (United States)
- Amersham International plc, Amersham Laboratories, Buckinghamshire (United Kingdom)
Technetium-99m (6.02 h) radiopharmaceuticals are used extensively throughout the world for diagnosing a variety of diseases using nuclear medicine techniques. It is supplied conveniently and reliably by elution of {sup 99m}Tc radioactivities from a {sup 99}Mo, {sup 99m}Tc generator, a device fully dependent on the production of the parent {sup 99}Mo (66.02 h) using reactor methods. As an alternative to reactor methods and to the use of {sup 99}Mo {r_arrow} {sup 99m}Tc generators, we have proposed an accelerator-based method to produce {sup 99m}Tc directly. This method, investigated since 1990, is based on the use of accelerated proton beams and enriched targets via the {sup 100}Mo(p,2n){sup 99m}Tc reaction (Q = -7.9 MeV). Instant {sup 99m}Tc produced in this fashion would have to be produced in regional/centralized accelerator facilities limiting the supply to local/regional users. In comparison to existing reactor and generator techniques, this method would have several economical advantages as it would minimize nuclear waste production and management costs as well as public and environmental health concerns associated with nuclear reactors.
- OSTI ID:
- 436882
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9606116--
- Journal Information:
- Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society Vol. 74; ISSN 0003-018X; ISSN TANSAO
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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