Preparation of 99mTc-Nanocoll for use in sentinel node localization: Validation of a protocol for supplying in unit-dose syringes.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if 99mTc-Nanocoll is affected by storage in a syringe, passage through an R-Lock or mixing with Patent Blue V dye.


METHODS
A Nanocoll kit was reconstituted at 280 MBq/5 ml. Samples of 0.5 ml were drawn into 3 ml Plastipak syringes. After 1 h and 6 h, adsorption of 99mTc on a syringe was measured and the following tests of quality were performed on samples from the kit and a syringe: 99mTc-pertechnetate impurity by thin-layer chromatography, the percentage of 99mTc on particles >100 nm by Nuclepore filtration and particle size by photon correlation spectroscopy. These tests were also applied to samples that had been passed through an R-Lock or mixed with Patent Blue V. Each experiment was performed five times.


RESULTS
In all samples, adsorption of 99mTc on syringes was <1%, 99mTc-pertechnetate impurity was <2%, >95% of 99mTc was labelled to particles <100 nm in diameter, the mean particle diameter was 6.6 nm and the particles had a diameter of <12 nm. All tests showed no significant difference (P > 0.05, n = 5) between 99mTc-Nanocoll from the original kit and a syringe at either 1 h or 6 h. Similar results were obtained with samples that had been passed through an R-Lock or mixed with Patent Blue V.


CONCLUSIONS
A capped 3 ml Plastipak syringe is a suitable container in which to supply 99mTc-Nanocoll. Neither passage through an R-Lock nor mixing with Patent Blue V affects the quality of 99mTc-Nanocoll.
O'Brien
Lesley M
LM
Radiopharmacy, The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
Duffin
Rodger
R
Millar
Alistair M
AM
D004349:Drug Packaging / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D007553:Isotope Labeling / Q000379:methods*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010316:Particle Size; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods; D013594:Syringes; D013668:Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin / Q000138:chemical synthesis*
D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D013668:Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin; C083602:technetium Tc 99m nanocolloid