PP-029 Study of radionuclide impurities in 18f-metil-choline: Setup of the measurement geometry for high purity germanium gamma ray spectrometer

Background Positron emission tomography (PET) uses radiopharmaceutical labelling with b + emitting isotopes. 18 F is the most commonly used radioisotope in PET and is produced by Medical Cyclotron. During bombardment of target with [ 18 O]water to produce the radiopharmaceutical 18 F-metil-choline, radionuclidic impurities are generated. For the European Pharmacopoeia, these impurities have to be checked before application for human use. Purpose In this work, we set up accurate geometry for measurements with the HpGe spectrometer to assess radionuclidic impurities generated during the production of 18 F-metil-choline. Material and methods High resolution gamma spectrometry is the most appropriate method to determine gamma emitting radionuclides, but it needs the correct geometry for measurement. Samples from the different steps of the production process were collected: [ 18 O] irradiated water, waste target water, Cromafix cartridge, waste Cromafix water, WCX cartridge, final waste water and 18 F-FMeCh. Counting of samples was carried out after an appropriate period to allow for complete decay of 18 F. Liquid samples were analysed by volumetrically diluting an appropriate quantity of each solution (2 mL) with distilled water to a volume of 15 mL. The cartridges Cromafix and WCX were measured by placing the samples directly over the detector, through a support. Counting efficiency was established using a certificated standard Amersham, containing 241 Am, 133 Ba and 152 Eu (beaker Bertocchi 100 mL). We used Gespecor software to transfer the efficiency calibration from the geometry of standard to the geometry of the samples and the analysis was performed using the GammaVision analysis software. Results The data showed the presence of gamma emitting 51 Cr, 52 Mn, 54 Mn, 56 Co, 57 Co, 58 Co, 95m Tc, 96 Tc, 109 Cd, 184 Re and 186 Re in the [ 18 O] irradiated water. In the final 18 F-FMeCh solution, the activity of the impurities was lower than the minimum detectable activity of the spectrometer. Conclusion The software Gespecor has enabled us to determine radionuclide impurity with a single calibration source and to confirm the radiochemical purity of 18 F-metil-choline. Contaminants were identified in all stage of the synthesis process but they were absent in the final product. The purification methods adopted are effective as requested by the patient’s radiation protection standards and European Pharmacopoeia. References and/or Acknowledgements Technical staff at Cyclotron No conflict of interest.