Preparation of spherical 57Co source for the calibration of intra-operative gamma probe

This paper describes an electrochemical method for deposition of a thin layer of 57Co on the outer surface of a copper sphere of 5 mm diameter intended to be used as a point radioactive source. A description of the electrolytic cell, the process of deposition and the assay of the 57Co activity are presented. About 1.48 MBq (∼40 μCi) of 57Co could be deposited using the described method. The quality of the prepared source in terms of nonleachability, uniform distribution of activity and stability, which are necessary attributes to be ensured before application were evaluated and found to be satisfactory.

► Utility of the electro-deposition technique to prepare 57Co sources. ► Quality control of sources for regulatory requirement. ► Evaluation of the characteristics and stability of 57Co sources.