Radioassay problems associated with the clinical use of a 82Rb radionuclide generator

Experience with a 82Sr/82Rb generator for clinical use

A 82Sr/82Rb generator system is described which is shown to be suitable for continuous intravenous infusion in man. The breakthrough of the 82Sr parent has been closely monitored and remained less than 18.5 Bq mL-1 of infusate. A method using a 0.05% solution of sodium hypochlorite to disinfect the generator resulted in a sterile and pyrogen free eluate. Recommendations are made for the setting up of the generator to ensure the maintenance of its pharmaceutical integrity.

Radioanalysis of 82Rb generator eluates

The activity of 82Rb produced from a 82Sr/82Rb generator is dependent on elution conditions (volume and eluent flow rate) and sampling conditions (time and position of collection). Assays for 82Rb in generator eluates are described using a commercial dose calibrator in a static procedure and a plastic scintillator in a dynamic procedure. Dynamic assays more accurately reflect the 82Rb administered when the eluate is injected directly. Radionuclidic contaminants which may be present with 82Sr are identified and procedures for their measurement are described.

A partial decay scheme study of 82Rb and consequences for radiation dose measurements

Measurements of the relative emission rates of the 776 keV gamma ray, the positrons and the K x-rays in the decay of 82Rb have been repeated. This has led to the finding that the gamma ray to positron ratio is 0.1578 +/- 0.0019 and that the 776 keV gamma-ray probability per decay is (15.12 +/- 0.18)%.