The Paper Spot Test: A Rapid Method for Quantitating Stannous Concentrations in Radiopharmaceutical Kits

We have developed a simplified, semiquantitative test for the determination of stannous tin in pyrophosphate and other tin-containing radiopharmaceuticals, excluding those stabilized with ascorbic acid and MAA preparations. The test involves the formation and disappearance of a positive red color complex in the presence of Sn(II) and in acidified porphyrin solution. With this technique, the time of spot disappearance is directly proportional to the Sn(II) concentration spotted. The procedure is easy to use, requiring only a high-intensity light source (30-watt light bulb) and a timing device. The test is accurate, reproducible, and sensitive to Sn(II) levels as low as 40 micrograms/ml. Because the procedure is rapid (requiring less than 5 min), it can easily be incorporated into the routine radiopharmaceutical quality-control program of any nuclear medicine facility.