A semi-automated system for the routine production of copper-64

Abstract

An automated system for the production of high specific activity 64Cu via the irradiation of electroplated enriched 64Ni targets has been developed. We have been operating this system continually on a biweekly or weekly basis for more than two years. Since the inception of this automated production system, (October 1, 2008), we have had 145 productions, produced 53562mCi and shipped out 25629mCi of this isotope to external users. We routinely produce over 400mCi of this isotope per batch with a specific activity of 14,000±7600mCi/μmol for distribution to some 12–15 centers each production.