Accumulation of Tritium and Other Undesirable β-Emitting Radionuclides in the Production of Radiopharmaceuticals for PET Diagnostics

Abstract

The article deals with the problem of formation of undesirable β-emitting radionuclides (RNs) in the production of radiopharmaceuticals for PET diagnostics. It is found that tritium is the main trace RN formed by the reaction 18^O(p,t)16^O during irradiation of water [18^O]H2O with protons. Other trace β emitters in water accumulate mainly as a result of leaching of activated target wall materials. The possibility of using the activity of tritium in water [18^O]H2O as an indicator of its re-enrichment is shown. The necessity of controlling the content of trace β-emitting RNs in intermediate products, production waste, and final radiopharmaceuticals is demonstrated.