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Using a GR1 CZT-based gamma spectrometer instead of a germanium-based detector

Replacing an expensive germanium-based detector with a Kromek GR1 room temperature CZT-based gamma spectrometer

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

The problems with high-purity germanium detectors

High-purity germanium (HPGe) based detectors have been used to identify the gamma isotopes in a radiopharmaceutical sample for many years.

But germanium-based gamma spectrometers have their drawbacks, they:

  • are very expensive;
  • require cooling to cryogenic temperature;
  • need highly accurate supporting electronics;
  • need specialist training to operate;
  • are large and can be difficult to use;
  • are easy to damage.

These Kromek customers wanted to to see if a Kromek GR1 CZT-based gamma spectrometer using Kromek’s MultiSpect Analysis gamma spectroscopy software could replace a germanium detector.

Abstract

This work was aimed at characterizing and validating a very compact, USB-powered, CZT (CdZnTe) detector for gamma-ray spectrometry applications in radiopharmacy. A Kromek GR1 model 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.

The performance of the detector, the very compact size, ease of use, essentially zero maintenance and low power requirements makes the GR1 an extremely attractive tool for QC applications in radiopharmacy.

The GR1 a viable replacement for expensive germanium-based detector
Find out more about the GR range of spectrometers

Read the full study and results

You can read the full academic paper here

Sara Vichi, Angelo Infantino, Gianfranco Cicoria, Davide Pancaldi, Domiziano Mostacci, Filippo Lodi & Mario Marengo (2016) An innovative gamma-ray spectrometry system using a compact and portable CZT detector for radionuclidic purity tests of PET radiopharmaceuticals, Radiation Effects and Defects in Solids, 171:9-10, 726-735, DOI: 10.1080/10420150.2016.1253090

Read the full paper here

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