Evaluation of alternative rapid thin layer chromatography systems for quality control of technetium-99m radiopharmaceuticals

• Whatman 3MM™ paper and Tec-Control™ systems validated as ITLC-SG alternatives.
• Full solvent migration in Tec-Control™ was not reproduced for 99mTc-tetrofosmin.
• Systems are comparable to ITLC-SG, Tec-Control™ is more conservative for 99mTc-sestamibi.
• Tec-Control™ (~1 min) and Whatman 3MM™ (7–9 min) are faster than ITLC-SG (10–15 min).
• Overall, Tec-Control™ is preferred but Whatman 3MM™ recommended for 99mTc-tetrofosmin.

Whatman 3MM™ and Tec-Control™ systems were evaluated as ITLC-SG alternatives for 99mTc-radiopharmaceuticals. They compare well in accuracy and reproducibility, and are faster and more convenient than ITLC-SG. Tec-Control™ radiochemical purity values for 99mTc-sestamibi were more conservative than ITLC-SG. Full solvent migration was not reproduced for 99mTc-tetrofosmin in Tec-Control™, and for this Whatman 3MM™ is preferred. Developing times were 10–15 min, 7–9 min and ~1 min for ITLC-SG, Whatman 3MM™ and Tec-Control™, respectively. Overall, Tec-Control™ strips are preferred due to speed and ease of use.