Computer-controlled synthesis of [18F]FDG by the tetrabutylammonium method: Achievement of high yield, purity, reproducibility, reliability, and safety

We constructed a computer-controlled apparatus of no-carrier-added [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18f]FDG) synthesis for routine clinical use. High yield, high reproducibility, and high quality of the product were achieved. The main step of the reaction is nucleophilic fluorination of the synthetic precursor, acetylated mannose triflate, with an activator, tetrabutylammonium bicarbonate. A biologically high quality medicinal environment (sterile and pyrogen-free) was achieved by employment of an inherently pyrodestructive chemical step within the process line and the use of pyrogen-free medical goods and heat-sterilized glassware. [18F]FDG was obtained in 70 min after EOB with a radiochemical yield of 5.77 ± 5.7% (decay corrected) and with radiochemical purity of> 99%.