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Activity determination and nuclear decay data of 177Lu
Karsten Kossert1, Ole J Nähle, Oliver Ott
1Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Bundesallee 100, 38116 Braunschweig, Germany. karsten.kossert@ptb.de
Summary
Accurate measurement of Lutetium-177 activity concentration was achieved using multiple methods, yielding a combined uncertainty of 0.19%. This result aids in calibrating equipment for nuclear medicine applications and refining Lutetium-177
Area of Science:
- Nuclear physics
- Radiochemistry
- Metrology
Background:
- Lutetium-177 (177Lu) is crucial in nuclear medicine.
- Accurate activity concentration is vital for its clinical application.
- International comparisons ensure measurement consistency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the activity concentration of a 177Lu solution within an international comparison.
- To calibrate a 4π ionization chamber for 177Lu.
- To measure photon emission probabilities and the half-life of 177Lu.
Main Methods:
- 4πβ-γ coincidence counting with a proportional counter and NaI detector.
- Liquid scintillation counting using CIEMAT/NIST efficiency tracing and Triple-to-Double Coincidence Ratio (TDCR) methods.
- Gamma-ray spectrometry and decay curve analysis for half-life determination.
Main Results:
- Activity concentrations from three methods showed good agreement.
- Combined result achieved a relative standard uncertainty of 0.19%.
- Measured half-life of 177Lu: T(1/2)=6.639(9) days, with discrepancies noted against some published values.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully established a reliable activity concentration for 177Lu.
- The results support the use of 177Lu in nuclear medicine by providing accurate calibration standards.
- Further investigation into discrepancies with other published data is warranted.
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