Remote system for production of carbon‐11 labeled palmitic acid

Abstract

Abstract Carbon‐11‐labeled palmitic acid is produced routinely at Washington University School of Medicine for studies ofmyocardial metabolism. To accomodate the needs of 8–15 preparations per week and the large amounts of radioactivity (>20 mCi/study) required, a remotely‐controlled system for the preparation of [1‐ 11 C]palmitic acid has been constructed. The system is small (0.04 m 3 ), completely portable and contained totally within a small lead‐shielded hood. Large quantities of C‐11 palmitic acid (up to 675 mCi) have been prepared, with minimum radiation exposure to the operator. This system has been in full operation for two years, and has been used for more than 200 syntheses with a failure rate of less than 5%.