Post-elution concentration of 99mTcO4− by a single anion exchanger column : I: Feasibility of extending the useful life of column chromatographic 99mTc generator

99mTc eluate in 0.7/0.35 M acetic acid and in 1 : 1 v/v 0.7 M acetic acid: 0.025 M ammonium acetate (30–40 ml) was conveniently concentrated by passing through a small column of a readily available weak anion exchanger, DEAE cellulose, (200 mg, 6×8 mm) and subsequent elution with 3 ml normal saline, with greater than 90% recovery. The quality of pertechnetate thus obtained and its compatibility for preparing 99mTc compounds were satisfactory. This method was successfully applied to the alumina column chromatographic generator produced in-house and to a commercial 99Mo–99mTc generator after extensive clinical use. Potential for much higher concentration factors with compacted anion exchanger cartridges as well as applicability for 188W–188Re generator are discussed.