The EURAMET.RI(II)-S9 interlaboratory comparison of the radionuclide calibrators

Area of Science:

• Metrology
• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiochemistry

Background:

• Radionuclide calibrators are essential for accurate activity measurements in nuclear medicine.
• Short-lived radionuclides (e.g., F-18, Tc-99m, I-131) require precise quantification for effective patient treatment.
• Standardization of measurement techniques is vital for inter-laboratory comparisons.

Purpose of the Study:

• To organize and conduct a comparison of radionuclide calibrators for short-lived radionuclides.
• To evaluate the performance of different radionuclide calibrator setups and measurement protocols.
• To establish reliable comparison reference values for key medical radioisotopes.

Main Methods:

• A comparison involving radionuclide calibrators was organized following an approved technical protocol.
• Working solutions were prepared from manufacturer-provided original solutions and distributed in various vial types.
• Activity values were determined gravimetrically, with control measurements using HPGe detectors and gamma-ray spectrometry.

Main Results:

• Activity values were determined gravimetrically from activity concentration measurements.
• Comparison reference values were calculated using the Power Moderated Mean approach on selected participant results.
• Specific solutions and ampoule sizes were prepared for radionuclides like Ga-67, Sm-153, and Lu-177.

Conclusions:

• The comparison provided a framework for evaluating radionuclide calibrator performance for short-lived isotopes.
• The gravimetric method and Power Moderated Mean approach were employed for activity determination and reference value calculation.
• The study contributes to the metrological traceability and accuracy of radioactivity measurements in nuclear medicine.