The aim of the present work was to validate a paper chromatography system as an alternative way to determine the radiochemical purity of Na(18)F.
Methods: The evaluated parameters were specificity, limit of quantification, measurement interval, linearity, precision, accuracy, and robustness.
Results: The proposed method proved to be linear (P > 0.05; r(2) = 1.000), precise (relative SD, 8.6%), accurate (mean recovery, 95.9%; relative SD, 1.5%-1.8%), and robust under different conditions since no influence of the operative variables on the chromatographic performance was observed.
Conclusion: This system can be used as a reliable alternative method to determine the radiochemical purity of Na(18)F samples that can be easily performed in PET radiopharmacies at low cost.