Production of [18F]fluoride with a high-pressure disposable [18O]water target

A new high-pressure 18O enriched water target for the production of [18F]fluoride with 18 MeV protons is described. Recovered yields are 88% of predicted maximum and can be reproduced with an uncertainty of ±4% for beam currents as high as 25 μA and irradiation lengths of up to 90 min. We routinely produce and deliver 37 GBq (1 Ci) of [18F]fluoride in less than 45 min irradiation time for synthesis of the radiopharmaceutical [18F]FDG. Cooling mechanisms and design considerations for high pressure operation of water targets are discussed. A simple and reliable target loading and delivery system is also presented.