Analysis of induced radionuclides in replacement parts and liquid wastes in a medical cyclotron solely used for production of 18F for [18F]FDG

Radioactivities produced in replacement parts and liquid wastes in a medical cyclotron used to produce 18F for [18F]FDG with 10 MeV protons were analyzed. Nineteen radionuclides were found in the replacement parts and liquid wastes. Among them, long-lived 56Co in the Havar foils is critical in terms of radioactive waste management. The estimated dose level of exposure for the operating staff during the replacement of parts was around 310 μSv/y, which is smaller than the recommended dose limit for workers.

► Radionuclides induced in replacement parts in a medical cyclotron were analyzed. ► 56Co is a critical radionuclide from the viewpoint of radioactive waste management. ► The exposure from the replacement parts will not cause meaningful radiological risk.