Cross-Linked Polyethylene Glycol Beads to Separate 99mTc-Pertechnetate from Low-Specific-Activity Molybdenum

We report a kit-based approach for the purification of sodium pertechnetate ((TcO4-)-Tc-99m) from solutions with high MoO42- content. Methods: Cross-linked polyethylene glycol resins (ChemMatrix) were used to separate Tc-99m and molybdenum in 4N NaOH. The resins were loaded at various flow rates and eluted with water to release Tc-99m. The Tc-99m solution was passed through a cation exchange resin and an alumina cartridge, followed by saline elution. This process was tested with cyclotron-produced Tc-99m using an automated system and disposable kits. Results: Optimal results were obtained by loading 500 mg of resin at flow rates of up to 3.1 mL/min, with quantitative extraction of Tc-99m from the molybdate solution and complete release of Tc-99m after elution with water. The automated system was highly efficient at isolating (NaTcO4)-Tc-99m within minutes, with a recovery rate of 92.7% +/- 1.1% (mean +/- SD) using cyclotron-produced Tc-99m. Conclusion: ChemMatrix resins were highly effective at separating (TcO4-)-Tc-99m from molybdate solutions.