Automated production of carbon-11 labelled acetate to allow detection of transient myocardial ischemia in man, using positron emission tomography

The synthesis of 11C-acetate has been achieved via carbonation of methyl magnesium bromide with 11C-labelled carbon dioxide. Using this procedure, 7.4 GBq (200 mCi) of 11CO2 produced by the 14N(p,α) 11C nuclear reaction was converted within 20 min into 11C-acetate with an activity higher than 2.22 GBq (60 mCi). Chemical and biological quality control shows that the product is pure, sterile and pyrogen-free, therefore suitable for human use. Handling considerable amounts of activity led the authors to automate the 11C-acetate synthesis. The different parts of the system - programmable controller, sensors, automatic neutralization system - are described in detail. (author)