Experience in the quality control of commercial and self-labelled radiopharmaceuticals

Different methods of quality control of radiopharmaceuticals checked in the laboratory practice are summarized. Starting from the general organization of quality control in the clinical radiochemical laboratory methods of analysis and working regulations are discussed. The quality tests of sup(99m)Tc-generator eluate, that is the testing for radioactive contaminants and for soluble aluminium as well as the testing of sup(99m)Tc-labelled kits and of different other frequently used radiopharmaceuticals are described in detail. Special conditions of examination and results of chromatography and medium-voltage electrophoresis are also given. Furthermore the routine determination of the output in the labelling of denaturated erythrocytes with sup(99m)Tc is discussed. The clinical practice in the case of preparation deficiencies and of possible incidents following the application of radiopharmaceuticals is outlined. (author)