A Novel Technique for Filtration and Dispensing of99mTc Pertechnetate Injection ​

Abstract

Abstract Sodium pertechnetate (Na 99m TcO 4 ) is a versatile radiopharmaceutical in nuclear medicine and frequently eluted from Molybdenum-99 -Technitium-99m ( 99 Mo- 99m Tc) generators. Its 6-hour half-life and ~ 140 keV gamma emission are ideal for Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) imaging of the thyroid, salivary glands, and GI tract. Pertechnetate serving as both a direct diagnostic agent and the essential precursor for labelling a vast array of other diagnostic kits. Directly supplying hospitals with sodium pertechnetate enables ‘just-in-time’ delivery to meet daily demand. This offers optimal radiochemical purity, reduces radiation exposure for clinical personnel, improves cost effectiveness and enhances compliance and safety. ‘Ready-to-use’ sodium pertechnetate must be apyrogenic and sterile, as it is a radiopharmaceutical intended for human administration, typically via intravenous injection. Although some generators feature inbuilt microbiological filters at both the saline charge and 99m Tc collection ports, the efficiency of these filters can decline with repeated use over the generator's lifespan. It is standard practice to filter the eluate sodium pertechnetate to eliminate potential alumina particles and ensure sterility before supplying it to hospitals or diagnostic centres. Contamination can interfere with the biodistribution of the radiotracer, ultimately leading to misdiagnosis or suboptimal image quality for the SPECT scan. A novel approach for sodium pertechnetate filtration and dispensing involves an indigenously developed, remotely operated system that uses UHP nitrogen gas. This system physically isolates the radiopharmaceutical from operators, significantly reducing occupational radiation exposure, offers remarkable advantages over conventional manual syringe methods, especially regarding speed and contamination control. This specialized, efficient technique aligns with modern radiopharmaceutical production standards. This paper establishes that the nitrogen-gas-driven filtration and dispensing method is suitable for any radiochemical and can be easily adopted across all Hub and Spoke centres while adhering to regulatory safety standards.