Gamma Camera and Computer-Assisted Chromatography: A Simple Method

Abstract

We have established a method for a rapid processing, counting, and record-keeping of technetium-99m compounds for chromatographic quality control. Our aim was to avoid certain time-consuming procedures, such as cutting the chromatographic paper strips, preparing and counting samples, performing calculations, and keeping records. We accomplished this by performing a single two-min gamma-camera acquisition of all chromatographic paper strips, arranged together in an orderly manner on a homemade plexiglass plate, using predetermined sectors, which matched a computer-stored region of interest (ROI) grid. A simple program quantified total and segmental activities of each imaged strip and made the required calculations. The results were displayed on the screen. Film or hard copy was used for permanent records. A linear correlation between the computer ROI counts and conventional calibrator counts has been established, which validates the method.