A simple and rapid technique for recovery of 99mTc from low specific activity (n,gamma)99Mo based on solid-liquid extraction and column chromatography methodologies.

A simple and inexpensive method has been developed for the separation of (99m)Tc from (99)Mo produced from the neutron activation of (98)Mo by (98)Mo(n,gamma)(99)Mo nuclear reaction. The recovery of (99m)Tc was performed by solid-liquid extraction based on alumina column chromatography. The overall radiochemical yield for the complete separation of (99m)Tc was 85-97% (n=5). The separated Na[(99m)Tc]TcO(4) was of high radionuclidic, radiochemical and chemical purities. The method can be adopted for routine processing and use of (99m)Tc in radiopharmacy operations.