Patent Number: 047822317
Section: abstract

This invention relates to a standard component .sup.99m TC elution generator useful for medical purposes and consisting of prefabricated component parts. The main generator column of the device may be used both as an irradiation container and an elution container, enabling the user to supply activated or nonactivated parts. The main generator column made from by neutrns little activable materials serves first as reactor irradiation ampoule and after having been activated in the reactor by neutrons and after a simple adjustment serves directly as the generator column. It is filled with water insoluable molybdates or polymolybdates (with the molybdenum content in the range 10-40%), easily releasing .sup.99m Tc generated by radioactive decay of the mother .sup.99 Mo formed in it by neutron activation. This column filling serves originally as target material for reactor irradiations and afterwards it is directly used as the generator elution matrix. Accordingly, all components of the generator can be produced in a "ready-to-use" form and supplied as inactive material. When nonactivated parts are used, activation is performed on-site by a local reactor. The use of nonactivated parts is advantageous because they are more easily and more safely manufactured and transported. The invention further provides for efficient generation of .sup.99m TC radionuclides from medium neutron flux irradiation of molybdenum in a natural isotopic mixture.