A new osmium-191/iridium-191m radionuclide generator system using activated carbon

A new osmium-191/iridium-191m (191Os/191mIr) radionuclide generator system has been developed based on the absorption of K2OsCl6 (Os-IV) on 140-230 mesh heat-treated activated carbon. The generator is eluted with pH 2 saline solution containing 0.25 g/l Kl to give 191mIr in good yield. The generator eluent is neutralized to physiologic pH and isotonicity with Tris buffer immediately prior to i.v. injection. No scavenger column is required. As an example, elution of the prototype generator with a 2-ml bolus results in elution of 191mIr in approximately 18% yield with an 191Os breakthrough of only 2 X 10(-4)%/bolus. The prototype generator has consistent performance over a 2-wk period with no change in 191mIr yield or 191Os breakthrough. Loading of up to 1.5 Ci of 191Os results in no observed radiolysis. Continuous elution of this system is also possible with a mean 191mIr yield of 3.7%/ml and a mean 191Os breakthrough of 2 X 10(-5)%/ml at a flow rate of 12 ml/min. This new system represents a readily available source of 191mIr for radioangiography. Adsorbed radiation dose calculations indicate a total-body dose of only 3.9 mrad for a 100 mCi injected bolus.