Preparation of Xenon-133 Solution for Intravenous Administration

Abstract

A method for routine preparation of a solution of ¹³³Xe gas in saline from commercially available ¹³³Xe gas ampoules is described and evaluated. At room temperature and atmospheric pressure, about 25% of the ¹³³Xe gas dissolves in saline. Xenon-133 binds to the syringe wall or may escape into the air when stored in sealed plastic syringes. Preparation immediately prior to use, short-term storage in a properly closed glass vial, and assay of the syringe for activity before and after injection are important considerations for delivering accurate amounts of ¹³³Xe gas in saline solution.