81Rb/Na separation for the production of a 81Rb/81mKr generator

When 81Rb is produced by α-bombardment of NaBr cyclotron targets, the presence of the large amount of Na prevents the preparation of an efficient 81Rb/81mKr generator for perfusion studies. A quick, efficient 81Rb/Na separation method has been developed. It entails the sorption of 81Rb by ammonium molybdophosphate (AMP) from a 81RbNaBr solution, dissolution of the AMP with NH4OH, addition of triethanolamine (TEA) and evaporation of NH3. 81Rb is then sorbed on a macroporous organic ion exchange resin and TEA is selectively eluted with HCl. Various characteristics of the generator prepared in this way have been measured. (author)