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Plutonium in (/sup 99m/Tc) pertechnetate for clinical use: concise communication

Conference · · J. Nucl. Med.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6887329

Pertechnetate from 31 different Tc-99m generators was analyzed to determine if ..cap alpha..-emitting radionuclides were present. Significant amounts of Pu(239 + 240) were found in the pertechnetate eluted from neutron-activated molybdenum distributed by one manufacturer. The Pu(239 + 240)/Tc-99m activity ratio in the first eluate from these generators varied between 1.3.10/sup -12/ and 1.4.10/sup -11/. The Pu(239 + 240) contamination is believed to originate from uranium impurities in the molybdenum batch. The build-up of Am-241, the daughter decay product of Pu-241, has also been demonstrated. The estimated Pu-241/Pu(239 + 240) activity ratio at the reference time was 8:1. It is strongly recommended that upper limits for the plutonium content of eluates from nonfission-produced molybdenum should be included in the various pharmacopoeias and that restrictions be placed on the uranium content of molybdenum used for the production of Mo-99 by neutron activation.

Research Organization:
Malmoe General Hospital, Sweden
OSTI ID:
6887329
Journal Information:
J. Nucl. Med.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Nucl. Med.; (United States) Vol. 21:11; ISSN JNMEA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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