On the “artificial” nature of Tc and the “carrier-free” nature of Tc-99m from Mo-99/Tc-99m generators
Academic Article
Publication Date:
2005
Citation:
On the “artificial” nature of Tc and the “carrier-free” nature of Tc-99m from Mo-99/Tc-99m generators / Z.B. Alfassi, F. Groppi, M.L. Bonardi, J.J.M. de Goeij. - In: APPLIED RADIATION AND ISOTOPES. - ISSN 0969-8043. - 63:1(2005 Jul), pp. 37-40.
abstract:
Two widespread misconceptions regarding Tc are dealt with. First, it is shown that although primordial Tc has
decayed completely, Tc is still present in nature due to natural processes, in addition to substantial man-made
quantities. Thus, Tc cannot be considered as a purely artificial element. Second, it is shown that 99mTc from 99Mo/99mTc
generators is certainly not carrier-free (CF) and that, ‘‘no-carrier-added’’ (NCA) is a more appropriate designation. As
a quantitative measure of the amount of long-lived 99gTc carrier present in 99mTc preparations from generators, the
Isotope Dilution Factor (IDF) is used and calculated for some practical situations.
decayed completely, Tc is still present in nature due to natural processes, in addition to substantial man-made
quantities. Thus, Tc cannot be considered as a purely artificial element. Second, it is shown that 99mTc from 99Mo/99mTc
generators is certainly not carrier-free (CF) and that, ‘‘no-carrier-added’’ (NCA) is a more appropriate designation. As
a quantitative measure of the amount of long-lived 99gTc carrier present in 99mTc preparations from generators, the
Isotope Dilution Factor (IDF) is used and calculated for some practical situations.
IRIS type:
01 - Articolo su periodico
Keywords:
Radioisotopi artificiali e naturali; 99mTc/99gTc; Fattore di diluizione isotopica; No Carrier Added
List of contributors:
Z.B. Alfassi, F. Groppi, M.L. Bonardi, J.J.M. de Goeij
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