Which radiopharmaceutical impurity must be assessed after elution from a 99Mo/99mTc generator?

When eluting a 99Mo/99mTc generator, it is essential to assess for the presence of aluminum ions as an impurity. During the elution process, aluminum impurities may leach into the technetium-99m solution from the generator's column. Aluminum can chemically alter the binding characteristics of radiopharmaceuticals and potentially affect diagnostic imaging quality. Therefore, measuring aluminum content is crucial to ensure that it remains below the acceptable limits to maintain the efficacy and safety of the administered radiopharmaceutical.

While the presence of technetium-99m itself is expected in the elution, monitoring for molybdenum-99 is not necessary immediately after elution since the goal is to obtain technetium-99m for patient use. Thiosulfate ions are not typically a concern from this generator type; thus, they do not require assessment. By focusing on aluminum ions, healthcare professionals can help ensure patient safety and the integrity of nuclear medicine procedures.