Radio-TLC

for radiopharmaceutical analytics.

We test radiochemical purity with precision and reproducibility, integrating the process into your development or QC workflow.

Radio-TLC is a key method for evaluating radioactive samples in radiopharmaceutical analysis. It supports the determination of radiochemical purity and helps make radioactive species visible and analyzable after chromatographic separation.

At CUP, we specifically use radio-TLC for radiopharmaceuticals, theragnostics, and radiolabeled compounds. The methodology is integrated into our regulated laboratory processes and can be combined with other analytical methods such as radio-HPLC, HPLC, LC-MS/MS, or ICP-MS.

Evaluate radiochemical purity.

We support you in the analysis of primary and secondary radioactive fractions following chromatographic separation.

Targeted detection of radionuclides.

Our Radio-TLC analysis is designed for various types of radioactivity, including PET, SPECT, and beta emitters.

Incorporate methods into the QC workflow.

We do not view Radio-TLC in isolation, but rather as part of your radiopharmaceutical development and quality control strategy.

That´s how

Radio-TLC works.

Radio-TLC makes radioactive species visible and assessable after chromatographic separation.


  1. A small amount of the radioactive sample is applied to a TLC or iTLC plate. The plate is then developed using a suitable mobile phase. This separates the components of the sample chromatographically.
  2. After development, the plate is analyzed with a Radio-TLC scanner. The scanner measures the position and intensity of radioactivity along the plate. This makes radioactive fractions visible and allows them to be evaluated.

Depending on the radionuclide and the analytical question, we select suitable detectors and method settings. This allows Radio-TLC to be used in both development and quality control.

Regulated integration.

Practical application.

At CUP, Radio-TLC is not just a stand-alone analytical method. It is integrated into regulated laboratory processes and considered within the context of relevant pharmacopoeial and regulatory requirements.

Our internal approach takes into account requirements and guidance from Ph. Eur. 2.2.27 Thin-Layer Chromatography, USP <621> Chromatography, USP <1821> Radioactivity – Theory and Practice, and USP <1823> Positron Emission Tomography Drugs – Information. This regulatory framework supports the reliable use of the method in development, quality control, and GMP-relevant project environments.

In addition, critical equipment parameters are defined at CUP, including scan length, scan speed, background signal, precision, peak position, and linearity. This provides a methodological basis for reproducible results and traceable documentation.

When Radio-TLC is useful.

Radio-TLC can be used in different phases of a radiopharmaceutical project:

  • for testing radiochemical purity
  • for evaluating labeling efficiency
  • for method development and method optimization
  • for stability assessment of radiolabeled compounds
  • as complementary quality control alongside Radio-HPLC
  • to support development, transfer, and routine projects

Why CUP for Radio-TLC.

Radiopharmaceutical analytics requires more than a single method. It requires experience with radioactive samples, suitable detection, qualified equipment processes, and a clear understanding of GMP-relevant questions.

At CUP, Radio-TLC is embedded in an analytical environment focused on radiopharmaceuticals and theranostics. We can apply the method on a project-specific basis and combine it with additional analytical techniques. This creates data that is not only analytically reliable, but also suitable for the next development step.

Our Radio-TLC processes take defined equipment parameters into account, including scan length, scan speed, background signal, precision, peak position, and linearity.

Expert VOICE

Radio-TLC is more than a quick scan. We consider the radionuclide, matrix, detector, and analytical question together. This creates results that are analytically reliable and truly useful for the next development step.

Dr. Julian Oppelt

Research Scientist

at CUP Contract Labs

FAQs

about Radio-TLC.

Request Radio-TLC

for your project.

Would you like to test radiochemical purity, develop a method, or integrate Radio-TLC into your QC workflow?

We review your analytical question and align the appropriate analytical approach with you.