Production of [F-18]Fluoride with a high-pressure disposable [O-18]water target

A new high-pressure O-18 enriched water target for the production of [F-18]fluoride with 18 MeV protons is described. Recovered yields are 88% of predicted maximum and can be reproduced with an uncertainty of +/- 4% for beam currents as high as 25 mu A and irradiation lengths of up to 90 min. We routinely produce and deliver 37 GBq (1 Ci) of [F-18]fluoride in less than 45 min irradiation time for synthesis of the radiopharmaceutical [F-18]FDG. Cooling mechanisms and design considerations for high pressure operation of water targets are discussed. A simple and reliable target loading and delivery system is also presented. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.