Comparative study of quality control procedures for99mTc radiopharmaceuticals

Paper and TLC chromatographic methods have been evaluated for the control of the labeling and stability of eight Tc-radiopharmaceuticals. The different supporting media and eluents have been studied and the most suitable methods have been classified according to their usefulness, reliability and rapidity. Moreover the artefacts encountered have been investigated. Alumina is found not suitable for its interference with TcO₄^–. Acetate buffer seems to be labeled by TcHR inducing frequently subsequent smearings. Methyl ethyl ketone is optimal for the quantification of TcO₄^– except in Tc-HIDA. TcHR never migrates as well as Tc-S Coll, Tc-MAA and Tc-HSA. The well-defined separation of TcO₄^– and TcHR from the radiopharmaceutical often requires a two-step method.Throughout this paper, the symbol Tc will be used to represent technetium-99m.