Simple elution aid for multiple, fractionated, and partial elution of 99mTc

(99m)Tc obtained from (99)Mo/(99m)Tc generators is playing a key role in the majority of diagnostic scans performed in the world today. The availability of (99m)Tc can be increased if it is separated from (99)Mo after much shorter growth times (multiple elution). Fractionated elution may provide a high concentration of (99m)Tc, whereas partial elution will help reduce doses to nuclear medicine staff members. An "elution aid" apparatus facilitating accurate elution was devised and tested.

The elution aid consists of a 1-L bottle of physiologic saline connected to a measuring cylinder/graduated column (20 mL) by the flow regulator of an infusion kit. The lower end of the measuring cylinder is connected by Tygon tubing to the spike of a (99)Mo/(99m)Tc generator. The desired volume of saline is added to the measuring cylinder with the help of the flow regulator. Using an evacuated collecting vial, the eluent is sucked through the alumina column to obtain sodium pertechnetate solution.

With this simple device, 2- to 20-mL volumes were easily collected. The elution aid, once connected to the generator, provided regular, partial-time elution and fractionated volumes over the whole useful life of the generator.

A simple aid for elution of (99m)Tc from 2-vial-based (99)Mo/(99m)Tc generators has been devised. Any desired volume of saline can be passed through the alumina column of the generator for the elution of Na(99m)TcO(4). The elution aid works efficiently for the whole useful life of a generator.