What is the shelf-life of Gallium-68 (Ga-68)?

The shelf-life of Gallium-68 (Ga-68) is actually approximately 68 minutes. This value is critical for nuclear medicine as it defines the time frame within which the radiopharmaceutical can be used effectively after production. The half-life directly impacts how Ga-68 is utilized in imaging techniques such as PET scans. Due to its relatively short half-life, it requires prompt administration to patients, which allows for the decay products to be minimal and the imaging quality to be maximized.

The significance of the shelf-life emphasizes the importance of timing in nuclear medicine procedures, making understanding Ga-68's properties essential for the planning and execution of diagnostic imaging.