Analytical and radioanalytical quality control in high specific activity radiotracer preparation

High specific activity radiotracers, used in studies related to trace elements and human health, must be characterized by the following specific requirements: (i) high specific activity (activity/mass of isotopic carrier), (ii) high activity concentation (activity/vol. or mass of substrate), (iii) radionuclidic, radiochemical and chemical purities, (iv) biological compatibility (physiological pH, sterility and physiological values). For this purpose, selective radiochemical separations and quality control procedures were developed and tested at the authors' labs. for the production of several NCA radiotracers.