A fast and simple method for the determination of tba in18f-labeled radiopharmaceuticals

Abstract

A simple color spot test for determining the presence of residual tetrabutylammonium (TBA) in various18F-radiopharmaceuticals is described. The test can be performed in less than five minutes. Iodoplatinate-saturated TLC plates are initially spotted with the18F-radiopharmaceutical to be tested and TBA, then with deionized water or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution, depending on if an antioxidant stabilizer is part of the pharmaceutical matrix. A distinct brown spot is visible at TBA concentrations of 50 μg/mL and up.