Initial generation and separation of⁹⁹Mo at Sandia National Laboratories

Abstract

The radioisotope^99mTc, used in greater than 80% of nuclear medicine applications, has traditionally been produced and supplied to radiopharmaceutical companies in the form of its precursor⁹⁹Mo. Nuclear fission produced⁹⁹Mo had been supplied by Nordion International of Canada and Cintichem, Inc. of New York, USA. With the shutdown of Cintichem's reactor in 1989, a need was recognized for a US supply, and the US Department of Energy recently published a record of decision designating Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) to meet that need. A recent campaign was launched which utilized the SNL Annular Core Research Reactor to irradiate UO₂ coated targets fabricated by Los Alamos National Laboratory to produce⁹⁹Mo. The irradiated targets were chemically processed in the SNL Hot Cell Facility to separate and purify the⁹⁹Mo. The campaign also included final product quality analysis, and process waste handling. The campaign was accomplished with high⁹⁹Mo recovery. Final product quality was assessed at SNL, and samples were sent to an outside laboratory for independent verification. The campaign provided data and experience useful in pursuing US Food and Drug Administration and radiopharmaceutical company approval.