An automated system for production of 89Zr

We have developed an automated system for routine production of 89Zr. This system has automated a separation process from the literature that uses a hydroxamate resin column to purify 89Zr from an 89Y target. We have designed this system to give production personnel control over every step in the process through an easy to-use graphical user interface (GUI) that also gives step-by-step instructions for the process. This system is currently transitioning from its testing phase at low activities, so further testing and improvements are planned to increase product recovery and to improve the consistency of its product. To date production runs on the order of 10 mCi of 89Zr have been tested, and effective specific activities of 545 mCi/μmol and radionuclidic purity greater than 99.99% have been achieved.