What method is primarily used to ensure the safety of Tc radiopharmaceuticals?

• A. Cooling to low temperatures
• B. Filtration and sterilization
• C. Ultraviolet light exposure
• D. Chemical stabilization

Answer: (B)

The primary method used to ensure the safety of technetium (Tc) radiopharmaceuticals is filtration and sterilization. This process is essential because it removes potential contaminants and microorganisms that could compromise the safety and efficacy of the radiopharmaceutical. In the context of radiopharmaceuticals, maintaining sterility is critical to prevent infections when administered to patients, as these products are typically delivered via injection or infusion.

Filtration techniques, often using specific membranes that allow the passage of liquid while retaining unwanted particles, play a key role in the preparation of these radiopharmaceuticals. Sterilization may be achieved through various means, including autoclaving or chemical methods, which ensure that any pathogenic organisms are killed, thereby enhancing patient safety.

While cooling, ultraviolet light, and chemical stabilization are important in various contexts of pharmaceutical formulation and preservation, they do not specifically address the immediate microbial safety concerns associated with Tc radiopharmaceuticals like filtration and sterilization do.