Cyclotron production of 67Ga(III) with a tandem natGe−natZn target

Production of 67Ga(III) at the National Accelerator Centre is by proton bombardment of a natZn target, and uses 15−20 h of cyclotron beam time per production. A study was undertaken to use a tandem natGe−natZn target to produce the same amount of 67Ga, but using less beam time (7−8 h). 67Ga(III) was separated from the tandem target material by a method based on acid dissolution of the target and chromatography on an organic polymer resin (Amberchrom™ CG−71cd) containing no ion exchange groups. The separated 67Ga(III) has high radionuclidic purity and complies with the British and US Pharmacopoeia requirements for chemical purity.