Column geometry to maximize elution efficiencies for molybdenum-99

A system for eluting a radioactive material, comprising:

• an elution column, at least a portion of the elution column enclosing and being substantially filled with the radioactive material;
• a first sealing member sealing a first end of the elution column;
• a second sealing member sealing a second end of the elution column;
• an elution supply source for the system, the single elution supply source being connected to the first end of the elution column via a first fluid communication path, the system not including more than one elution supply source;
• a collection system connected to the second end of the elution column via a second fluid communication path, the first and second fluid communication paths being in continuous fluid communication with the elution column during the eluting of the radioactive material, the first and second communication paths being the only fluid communication paths fluidly connected to the elution column;
• and
• a filter on an eluant discharge end of the portion of the elution column enclosing the radioactive material, the filter being configured to support the radioactive material and prevent the radioactive material from contacting the second fluid communication path,
• wherein the radioactive material enclosed by the elution column is titanium Molybdate, the elution supply source introduces saline solution into the system in order to allow the saline solution to gravity drain through the elution column, and the collection system collects technetium-99m ions,
• wherein a length of the elution column is between about 4⅛ inches and 10⅝ inches and an inner diameter of the elution column is between about ⅝ inches and 1 3/16 inches.

A system for eluting a radioactive material, comprising:

• an elution column with a first end and a second end, at least a portion of the elution column enclosing and being substantially filled with the radioactive material;
• a first sealing member included in the first end of the elution column, the first sealing member being configured to seal the first end of the elution column;
• a second sealing member included in the second end of the elution column, the second sealing member being configured to seal the second end of the elution column;
• only a single elution supply source for the system, the single elution supply source being connected to the first end of the elution column via a first fluid communication path;
• a collection system connected to the second end of the elution column via a second fluid communication path, the first and second fluid communication paths being in continuous fluid communication with the elution column during the eluting of the radioactive material, the first and second fluid communication paths being the only fluid communication paths fluidly connected to the elution column;
• and
• a filter on an eluant discharge end of the portion of the elution column enclosing the radioactive material, the filter being configured to support the radioactive material and prevent the radioactive material from contacting the second fluid communication path,
• wherein the elution column is a uniform diameter from the first end of the elution column to the second end of the elution column.