VUMC Institute of Imaging Science (VUIIS) - Radiochemistry

Overview of Services

What we can do for you

The mission of the VUIIS Research Radiochemistry Core Laboratory is to help Vanderbilt Investigators (1) develop and translate novel radiopharmaceuticals to patients, (2) non-invasively visualize and quantify molecular events in preclinical in vivo models and patients, and (3) conduct clinical trials that feature molecular imaging endpoints.

Description

The Core Laboratory is housed within the VUMC PET center in Robinson Research Building. The laboratory consists of separate cGMP, preclinical, and research radiochemistry laboratories in contiguous space immediately adjacent to Vanderbilt’s cyclotron and Radiopharmacy. Using the GE 130 uA PETtrace, the Core can produce ¹⁸F, ¹¹C, ⁶⁸Ga, ¹³N, and related radionuclides on a routine basis.  In addition to cyclotron-produced isotopes, the radiochemistry core has access to SPECT isotopes and generator-produced positron emitters, including ^99mTc, ¹¹¹In, and ¹²³I.

The Radiochemistry Core also operates a dedicated SPECT isotope labeling facility. This lab has been equipped with an activated charcoal filtered hood for the manipulation of iodine isotopes and has been outfitted with the latest equipment for the purification and identification of the compounds being prepared.

Resources

Radiochemistry facility housed in the VUMC PET Center capable of pre-clinical and cGMP radiotracer production (USP 823 & CFR 212).

• GE 130 uA PETtrace – negative-ion cyclotron optimized for generating ¹⁸F, ¹¹C, ⁶⁸Ga, ¹³N, and related radionuclides
• 2 Von Gahlen hot cells with CRL manipulators and three Von Gahlen "dual mini-cells" dedicated to the production of tracers for both human and animal
• 1 Comecer hotcell with a dose dispensing system.
• 2 Radiation Shielding hot cells with Tru-Motion manipulators dedicated to new tracer discovery and animal production
• 2 GE Tracerlab FX-FN fluorination modules
• 1 GE Tracerlab FX-C Pro gas phase ¹¹C methyl iodide/methylation module
• 1 GE Tracerlab FX2N dual-reactor automated radiosynthesis module
• 1 GE Fastlab 2 with HPLC+ cassette radiosynthesis module (specialized use only)
• 1 GE Fastlab 2, dedicated for Gallium-68 labelings
• 1 iPhase Flexlab dual-reactor automated radiosynthesis module
• 1 iPhase Multisyn automated cassette radiosynthesis module
• 1 Sofie ELIXYS FLEX/CHEM customizable cassette radiosynthesis module with PURE/FORM add-on
• 2 GE-MX Production Modules
• Bioscan Radio-TLC scanners
• Amercare automated dose dispenser
• Multiple analytical and semi-prep HPLCs with radiometric, UV, and ELSD detectors
• Agilent Gas Chromatograph equiped with an FID detector
• Multiple Capintec dose calibrators
• 7 Radiochemical fume hoods dedicated to low level radiation work

The PET-Chemistry Research Lab is connected to the GE cyclotron through lead-shielded lines allowing direct delivery of [¹⁸F]fluoride, [⁶⁸Ga]gallium chloride or [¹¹C]carbon dioxide to shielded "hot cells" for production of radiotracers.

Leadership

Director: Todd Peterson, Ph.D.

For general questions or assistance: VUIIS.RADIOCHEM@vumc.org

Location and hours of operation

Links and Resources

1. Core Website
2. Policies and Procedures
3. Guide to Ordering