Automated synthesis of radiopharmaceuticals for PET: an apparatus for [1-11C]labelled aldoses

This paper describes an instrumentation system for positron emission tomography (PET). A variety of [1-(11)C]labelled aldoses, such as [1-(11)C]-D-glucose, and galactose by a modification of the Kiliani-Fischer method have been produced. The instrumentation is fully automatic and consists of a synthesis system and control system. The synthesis system has the following functions: supplying reagents; performing reactions; purifying (11)C labelled aldose; and preparing an injectable solution of (11)C labelled aldose. These operations are performed by the control system in a remote control room. In a preliminary, hot experiment an injectable solution of [1-(11)C]-D-glucose was obtained. In addition, the operator is exposed to minimal radiation. The radioactivity of [1-(11)C]-Dglucose was 47 MBq, and the preparation time was 49 min.