Production and quality control of 15O2 and C15O2 for medical use

The remotely controlled on-line production with a cyclotron of 15O2 and C15O2 for routine medical use is described. The radiochemical purities have been determined and compared with literature data. The impurities formed during irradiation can be removed with appropriate traps. The toxic gases ozone, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide are formed in the target at concentration levels above the "Threshold Limit Value". Therefore a chemical quality control procedure has been developed. A copper oxide-iron oxide trap was found to improve the radiochemical and chemical purity of the C15O2.