Patent ID: 8137540

Claim:
A continuous mode apparatus for labeling a molecule with a radioactive label, said apparatus comprising: a reaction chamber or tube comprising a first end and a second end; a first reagent vessel fluidly connected to said first end of said reaction chamber or tube through a first reagent tubing, said first reagent tubing connected to at least a first pump that moves fluid through said apparatus to achieve substantially continuous flow of fluid through said apparatus; a second reagent vessel fluidly connected to said first end of said reaction chamber or tube through a second reagent tubing, said second reagent tubing connected to a pump; a third reagent vessel fluidly connected to said first end of said reaction chamber or tube through a third reagent tubing, said third reagent tubing connected to a pump; and at least a first purification unit comprising an inlet and an outlet, said inlet of said purification unit fluidly connected to said second end of said reaction chamber or tube; wherein said purification unit comprises a capture agent that captures an unattached or free radioactive label and an unattached or free molecule on the basis of size, charge or affinity, but allows a radiolabeled molecule to pass through.