Automated method

An automated method for the preparation of a sterile, 99mTc radiopharmaceutical composition which comprises a 99mTc metal complex in a biocompatible carrier medium, wherein said method comprises:

• (i) provision of a precursor which comprises a solution of 99mTc-pertechnetate;
• (ii) provision of a supply of a non-radioactive ligand, wherein said ligand forms a metal complex with 99mTc;
• (iii) provision of a supply of a reductant capable of reducing technetium from the Tc(VII) oxidation state to a lower technetium oxidation state;
• (iv) complexation of the ligand with 99mTc by microprocessor-controlled transfer of separate aliquots of said precursor and ligand to a reaction vessel and mixing therein, with optional heating, and optionally in the presence of an amount of said reductant effective to reduce said aliquot of 99mTc-pertechnetate precursor;
• (v) when the 99mTc complex product from step (iv) is already in a biocompatible carrier medium it is used directly in step (vi), otherwise the product of step (iv) is either dissolved in a biocompatible carrier medium or the solvent used in step (iv) is removed and the residue re-dissolved in a biocompatible carrier medium;
• (vi) optionally carrying out one or more of the following additional processes:
• purification;
• pH adjustment;
• solvent removal and re-dissolution in a biocompatible solvent to give the desired 99mTc radiopharmaceutical composition;
• (vii) either maintaining sterility during steps (i) to (vi) so that the 99mTc metal complex from step (vi) is already sterile, or subjecting the 99mTc metal complex from step (vi) to either terminal sterilisation or sterile filtration to give the desired 99mTc-radiopharmaceutical.