COMPOSITIONS FOR PREPARATION OF AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS OF LOW VALENCE99 TECHNETIUM SALTS

摘要

Aqueous solutions of 99technetium salts wherein the 99technetium is in reduced valency state, when administered to mammals, permit identification of the skeleton and of calcareous tumors by scintigraphy (radiographic scanning). The solutions are conveniently prepared by mixing one or more phosphonic acids (or their salts) with one or more reducing salts, and adding the mixture to an aqueous solution of a pharmaceutically acceptable 99pertechnetate salt. Reduction of the valence of the technetium occurs rapidly, and the resulting solution is adequately stable for use in scintigraphy. The phosphonic acid and reducing salt components can be premixed. Aqueous solutions of the premix are stable for long periods of time in the absence of free oxygen and the premix is stable to air so long as it is dry. -A-