Rapid miniaturized chromatography for technetium-99m-tetrofosmin.

UNLABELLED The purpose of this investigation was to develop and evaluate a new and rapid miniaturized chromatography system that would accurately assess the radiochemical purity of 99mTc-tetrofosmin without the problems of solvent ratios and time requirements associated with the manufacturer's recommended procedure. METHODS The migration of the radiochemical components of 99mTc-tetrofosmin was evaluated using various chromatography media with ethyl acetate as the solvent. After optimization of the miniaturized system, radiochemical purity assessments were performed simultaneously on 23 99mTc-tetrofosmin preparations using both recommended and miniaturized chromatography systems. RESULTS A miniaturized chromatography system consisting of Whatman 1 chromatography paper with ethyl acetate was developed for the radiochemical purity assessment of 99mTc-tetrofosmin. Radiochemical purity results for 99mTc-tetrofosmin preparations were similar with both recommended and miniaturized chromatography methods, with a mean difference of 1.5% +/- 1.2% (s.d.). Differences in radiochemical purity results between the two chromatography systems were less than 2% (20 of 23 evaluations) with most preparations. CONCLUSION Radiochemical purity results for 99mTc-tetrofosmin preparations were similar with both the manufacturer's recommended chromatography and miniaturized chromatography systems. The miniaturized chromatography system is easier to use, and the time required to perform radiochemical purity assessments is substantially reduced.