What is the maximum allowable contamination of Mo99 in a Tc99m eluate for patient administration?

The maximum allowable contamination of Mo-99 in a Tc-99m eluate for patient administration is set at 0.15 microcuries of Mo-99 per millicurie of Tc-99m. This standard is established to ensure the safety and efficacy of the radioisotope used in diagnostic imaging. When Tc-99m is eluted from a generator, it can contain trace amounts of its parent isotope, Mo-99.

Exceeding the maximum contamination levels can pose a risk to patients due to the potential biological effects of Mo-99, which has a longer half-life than Tc-99m and emits radiation that could lead to increased radiation exposure. Therefore, maintaining contamination within this limit is crucial for minimizing health risks while ensuring the radioactivity remains primarily from Tc-99m, which is the desired isotope for imaging.

Understanding these contamination limits is essential for radiopharmacy professionals in ensuring compliance with safety regulations and providing safe care to patients undergoing diagnostic procedures.