An innovative gamma-ray spectrometry system using a compact and portable CZT detector for radionuclidic purity tests of PET radiopharmaceuticals

This work was aimed at characterizing and validating a very compact, USB-powered, CdZnTe detector for gamma-ray spectrometry applications in radiopharmacy. A GR1 model (by KromekTM, Sedgefield, UK) was utilized. The detector was calibrated in energy and efficiency. Samples of [18F]FDG and [68Ga]-DOTANOC were measured to assess the detector’s suitability in radionuclidic purity measurements. The energy resolution and the efficiency obtained are fully adequate for quality control of positron emission tomography radiopharmaceuticals. Results of [18F]FDG and [68Ga]-DOTANOC samples proved to be comparable to those obtained using high-purity Germanium detectors. The performance of the detector and its very compact size make this type of device an extremely attractive tool for QC applications in radiopharmacy.