Automated, Remote Production and Delivery of 15/O Radio

Positron emission tomography (PET) with oxygen-15-labeled radiopharmaceuticals is becoming increasingly important in the study of mental illness. The synthesis and delivery of 15O-labeled compounds poses a unique challenged due to the extremely short half-life of this isotope and the requirement for multiple sequential doses in many procedures. This project will address the need for safe, convenient automated 15O-labeled radiopharmaceutical synthesis and patient administration. In Phase I, the key system components and automation required for production of 15O-labeled O2, CO, H2O, and butanol will be developed. Three innovative technologies will make possible a higher degree of system compactness and automation than previously achieved: an efficient, rapidly heated charcoal furnace, an in-line positron-sensitive radioactivity monitor, and a sensor for monitoring filter integrity in the final dose filtration step. The system will be housed in a self-shielded bedside unit and will allow automated, unassisted patient infusion of the liquid radiochemicals, thus, greatly reducing radiation dose to administering personnel. A simple user interface which can be controlled by the PET scanner operator will allow optimal scheduling of dose production and delivery. Phase I will culminate in the design of a system to be fabricated and tested in Phase II.