What is the shelf life of Sestamibi Tc99m before it expires?

The shelf life of Sestamibi Tc-99m is typically around 6 hours after it is compounded or withdrawn from its original container. This time frame is critical for ensuring that the radiopharmaceutical remains effective and produces the desired imaging results. As radioisotopes decay, their radioactivity diminishes, which can affect the diagnostic quality of imaging procedures. Therefore, its usage within 6 hours post-preparation helps maintain optimal radiochemical purity and ensures sufficient radiation exposure for imaging, facilitating accurate diagnosis and assessment.

The specific duration of 6 hours is established based on studies that assess the stability and effectiveness of Tc-99m radiopharmaceuticals. Beyond this time, diminished radioactivity and potential degradation of the compound may lead to reduced imaging quality or inadequate imaging results.