Radiochemical purity, at expiry, and radiochemical stability of iodine-131 labelled meta-iodobenzylguanidine concentrates for intravenous infusion.

AIM: The determination of the amount of free [131I]iodide in [131I]metaiodobenzylguanidine ([131I]MIBG) concentrates for intravenous infusion under different storage conditions derived from daily practice.
METHOD: The percentage of free [131I]iodide was determined in [131I]MIBG concentrates (1.6-3.9 GBq in 7.5 ml), kept on dry ice (up to expiry, 3 days after production) or, after thawing, at room temperature (up to 24 h). A validated solid phase extraction (SPE) assay was used.
RESULTS: Free [131I]iodide increased from 1.9% +/- 0.34% at production to 4.4% +/- 0.67% (mean +/- SD; n = 5) at expiry in 3.7 GBq per 7.5 ml [131I]MIBG infusion concentrates stored on dry ice (-78 degrees C). At room temperature, formation of free [131I]iodide was found to be dependent on the radioactive concentration of the fluid. [131I]iodide levels increased from 3.1%, immediately after thawing, to 6.6% and 16.6% at t = 5 and 24 h, respectively, for a 3.9 GBq per 7.5 ml concentrate.
CONCLUSION: The investigated formulation of [131I]MIBG concentrates, stored in its original packing containing dry ice, can generally be used up to expiry. After thawing, the undiluted concentrates should be administered to a patient within 3.5 h.