LONG-LIVED RADIONUCLIDES IN THE PRODUCTION OF [18F]FLUOROCHOLINE FOR PET-DIAGNOSIS

In the present study the distribution of long-lived radionuclides between the drug product, recovered water [ 18O]H2 O and solid phase extraction cartridges was studied in [18F]fluorocholine production process. Isotopic composition for long-lived nuclides (half-lives = 10–312 days) was determined, the mechanisms of their formation and accumulation on cartridges are considered. It was shown that in the batches of pharmaceutical produced the content of long-lived nuclides is by 5 orders of magnitude lower than the limit value specified by the appropriate 07/2016:2793 European Pharmacopoeia article. The results obtained are of vital importance for optimization of the procedures for radioactive waste management in the production of [18F]fluorocholine using IBA Cyclone 18/9 HC cyclotron and, consequently, for minimization of radiation exposure of personnel.