Separation technique for the determination of 99Tc in milk and dairy products in case of emergency

A method for the determination of 99Tc (T1/2: 2.1×105 a) in milk and dairy products is presented in detail. The method includes the separation of fat and proteins from milk, the separation of Tc by anion exchange from other metals and the purification of Tc by extraction chromatography with subsequent measurement using LSC. A recommendation is given on how to use rhenium as a carrier for this particular matrix. The full analysis is done in 24 h. The detection limit for milk is 0.2 Bq/l. - Highlights: • A method is proposed for the determination of 99Tc in milk and dairy products in case of emergency. • Based on a multistep radiochemical procedure it is possible to determine 99Tc within one day from protein rich matrices. • A recommendation is given on how to use stable rhenium as a carrier