The use of Tc-99m as a tracer in the determination of Tc-99 by ICP-mass spectrometry

The aim of this paper is to carry out a deep study on the possibilities of using Tc-99m from Mo-99-Tc-99m clinical isotope generators to trace the rad iochemical separations for Tc-99 measurements by ICP-MS. By appropriately d efining a minimum detectable mass concentration (MDMC) for the mass spectro meter it is possible to conclude that such use is acceptable for a wide ran ge of activities of the tracer. The MDMC increases from 0.41 to 0.51 ppt wh en the amount of Tc-99m added to the samples ranges from 0 to 2 MBq. The pu rification of the final sample from Ru must be the main objective of the Tc -99 measurement method, since its presence noticeably enhances the Tc-99 MD MC.