Page 209 - Pharmaceutics IV (02-06-01305)
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Procurement And Storage
Nuclear pharmacists are responsible for securing
radiopharmaceuticals ,other appropriate drugs supplies & materials
Necessary to effect appropriate outcomes.
The effectiveness of some diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals is
enhanced or toxicity lessened by coadministration of other drugs
.e,g. elderly ,obese patient may not be capable of undergoing an
stress test prior to administration of radiopharmaceutical intended
for cardiac perfusion . Dipyridamol ,a vasodialator can be used as a
substitute for the exercise stress test.
t1/2 of radiopharmaceutical poses a special problem to the
pharmacist in that the traditional pathways (e.g. drug wholesaler ) to
secure the drug may take longer than the lifetime of the drug.
In the past , the nuclear pharmacist would order the drug directly
from the manufacturer ,primarily by overnight delivery.
Commercial radiopharmacies set up 2 distinct are : 1-general office
workspace (e.g. storage ,break rooms, restrooms ) .
2-Laboratory or pharmacy area , having restricted access ,called
“restricted area” ,within it, there are separate areas for radioactive
Material storage ,compounding & dispensing ,quality control testing
,& packaging & distribution .Dose calibration (i.e.,counting )is
performed in the compounding & dispensing area. This area consists
Of laminar flow hoods & counter space. Each laminar flow hood
contains a dose caliber so that each unit dose can be “counted “
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