Final answer:
The maximum amount of Mo99 allowed in the eluate by the NRC is 12 µCi. This regulation is in place to ensure the accuracy of medical tests and minimize radiation exposure to patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
The maximum amount of Mo99 allowed in the eluate by the NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission) is 12 µCi (microcurie).
When 800 mCi (millicurie) of Tc99m is eluted from a Mo/Tc generator, the NRC allows a maximum of 12 µCi of Mo99 in the eluate. This is to ensure that the eluate does not contain excessive amounts of Mo99, which can interfere with the accuracy of medical tests using Tc99m.
It is important to regulate the amount of Mo99 in the eluate because Mo99 can decay into Tc99m, leading to a higher radiation dose for the patient and potential interference with the medical diagnosis.