Radiosynthesis and validation of [Carboxy- 11 C]4-Aminobenzoic acid ([ 11 C]PABA), a PET radiotracer for imaging bacterial infections.

In this practitioner protocol, the radiochemical synthesis of [C-11] PABA is described in detail, and a quality control summary of three validation productions is presented. The results indicate that the radiotracer product can be produced in good radiochemical yield (14% at end-of-synthesis (EOS)) at high specific activity (molar activity 11 Ci/mu mole EOS; 407 GBq/mu mole) and high chemical and radiochemical purity as a sterile, pyrogen-free solution suitable for injection conforming to current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) requirements.