A semi-automated system for the routine production of copper-64.

An automated system for the production of high specific activity (64)Cu via the irradiation of electroplated enriched (64)Ni targets has been developed. We have been operating this system continually on a biweekly or weekly basis for more than two years. Since the inception of this automated production system, (October 1, 2008), we have had 145 productions, produced 53562 mCi and shipped out 25629 mCi of this isotope to external users. We routinely produce over 400 mCi of this isotope per batch with a specific activity of 14,000 ± 7600 mCi/μmol for distribution to some 12-15 centers each production.