Reprocessing of Irradiated [18O]H2O under the Conditions of a PET Center

The possibility of reprocessing of irradiated [18O]H2O after isolation of [18F]fluoride ion from it (regenerate) under the conditions of the cyclotron-radiochemical laboratory of an operating PET center was examined. The radionuclide and chemical composition of [18O]H2O and the degree of its enrichment in 18O before and after distillation at atmospheric pressure were studied comprehensively. The suggested method allows efficient removal of long-lived γ-emitting radionuclides (56Co, 57Co, 58Co, 65Zn, 54Mn, 51Cr) from the [18O]H2O regenerate. The distillation reduces the content of residual solvents (acetaldehyde, acetone, isopropanol, ethanol, acetonitrile), whereas the content of 3H and 18O in [18O]H2O changes within the measurement uncertainty. The distillation residues and decontamination solutions after neutralization can be jointly cemented to incorporate the γ-emitters into a compact matrix with the aim of its subsequent delivery to specialized organizations performing long-term storage and disposal of solid radioactive waste.