Recovery of 99mTc from Na2[99Mo]MoO4 solution obtained from reactor-produced (n,γ) 99Mo using a tiny Dowex-1 column in tandem with a small alumina column

A simple separation technique of 99mTc from Na2[99Mo]MoO4 in sodium hydroxide solution obtained from the 98Mo(n,γ)99Mo reaction is described. Low to medium specific activity 99Mo-molybdate solution of 7.4–18.5 GBq (200–500 mCi) in sodium hydroxide was passed through a tiny Dowex-1 column (25 mg) to separate the 99mTc from the 99Mo; subsequently the 99mTc was eluted from the Dowex 1 column with tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) solution (1 mg/5 ml methylene chloride). The TBAB solution was passed through a small alumina column (1.5 g) where the 99mTc is retained and separated from TBAB and CH2Cl2. Technetium-99m from the alumina column was finally eluted with 5 ml saline leaving any traces of 99Mo on the alumina column. The separation yield was about 90% (n=10). The method has applicability for decontamination of 99gTc from spent 99Mo waste solution and recovery of 99gTc for research use. The procedure should also be equally applicable for recovery of 188ReO4 from 188WO4 in a radioisotope laboratory.