Evaluation method for krypton-81m reservoir administration systems

Large variations have been reported in counting rates during lung ventilation studies using different 81mKr administration systems and among different patients. A method was set up to determine the activity utilization efficiency (AUE) using various administration systems. For that purpose a simple lung simulator was developed for combination with reservoir administration systems to be tested. It was found that under normal breathing conditions the AUE is 50% using a reservoir system and only 18% in the absence of a reservoir in the administration system. The measured results were confirmed by a mathematic model. The suggested simulator is suitable for use in hospitals and also enables an indirect check on the 81Rb/81mKr generator performance