Rubidium generator for cardiac perfusion imaging and method of making and maintaining same
An 82 Sr/ 82 Rb generator column is made using a fluid impervious cylindrical container having a cover for closing the container in a fluid tight seal, and further having an inlet for connection of a conduit for delivering a fluid into the container and an outlet for connection of a conduit for conducting the fluid from the container. An ion exchange material fills the container, the ion exchange material being compacted within the container to a density that permits the ion exchange material to be eluted at a rate of at least 5 ml/min at a fluid pressure of 1.5 pounds per square inch (10 kPa). The generator column can be repeatedly recharged with 82 Sr. The generator column is compatible with either three-dimensional or two-dimensional positron emission tomography systems.
1. An 82 Sr/ 82 Rb generator column for use with a peristaltic pump, comprising:
a cylindrical container of fluid impervious material having a cover for closing the container in a fluid tight seal, and further having an inlet for connection of a conduit for delivering a fluid into the container and an outlet for connection of a conduit for conducting the fluid from the container; and
an ion exchange material filling the container, the ion exchange material being compacted within the container to a density of not more than 3 g/cm 3 that permits the ion exchange material to be eluted at a flow rate of at least 5 ml/min at fluid pressure of 1.5 pounds per square inch (10 kPa).
2. The 82 Sr/ 82 Rb generator column as claimed in claim 1 wherein the ion exchange material comprises α-hydrous tin dioxide.
3. The 82 Sr/ /82 Rb generator column as claimed in claim 2 wherein a total volume of the α-hydrous tin dioxide in the generator column is about 1.5 cm 3 .
4. The 82 Sr/ 82 Rb generator column as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a particle filter at each of the inlet and the outlet.
5. The 82 Sr/ 82 Rb generator column as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a peristaltic pump for flushing and eluting the generator column.