Nuclear pharmacy

Hello to all readers. How was your day?

Nuclear pharmacy, does that sound weird?

Nuclear pharmacy is a branch of pharmacy where dedicated to the compounding and dispensing of radioactive materials for use in nuclear medicine procedures.

The concept of nuclear pharmacy was first described in 1960 by Captain William H. Briner while at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. Along with Mr. Briner, John E. Christian, who was a professor in the School of Pharmacy at Purdue University, had written articles and contributed in other ways to set the stage of nuclear pharmacy

To be a nuclear pharmacist, he or she need to master physics and physical chemistry other than pharmacology and pharmaceutics subjects. This is because radioactive materials are involved in this work. Besides, they have to learn about radiography or imaging.

Required training

There are certain precautions that must be taken into account when handling radiopharmaceutical materials on a daily basis. Nuclear pharmacists receive extensive training on the various radiopharmaceuticals that they use. They are trained in radiation safety and other aspects specific to the compounding and preparation of radioactive materials. Many things are required to become pharmacists, but to become a nuclear pharmacist one must go through the following training:

1. 200 hours of classroom training in basic radioisotope handling techniques specifically applicable to the use of unsealed sources is required. The training should consist of lectures and laboratory sessions in the following areas:

Radiation physics and instrumentation

Radiation protection

Mathematics of radioactivity

Radiation biology

Radiopharmaceutical chemistry

2. 500 hours in handling unsealed radioactive material under a qualified instructor is also required. This experience should cover the type and quantities of by-product material requested in the application and includes the following:

Ordering, receiving, surveying, and unpackaging radioactive materials safely.

Calibration of dose calibrators, scintillation detectors, and survey meters

Calculation, preparation, and calibration of patient doses including the proper use of syringe shield.

Primary tasks of nuclear pharmacist include:

-Order, receipt, storage and inventory control of radioactive drugs (radiopharmaceuticals), other drugs used in nuclear medicine, and related supplies

-Preparation of radiopharmaceuticals by combining radioisotopes with reagent kits, and compounding radiopharmaceuticals that are not commercially available

-Functional checks of instruments, equipment and devices and determination of radiopharmaceutical quality and purity

-Filling of prescription orders

-Packaging, labeling and transport of radiopharmaceuticals

-Proper handling of hazardous chemicals and biological specimens

-Communicating radiopharmaceutical-related information to others

-Assuring that patients receive proper preparation before radiopharmaceutical administration and trouble-shooting unanticipated outcomes

-Laboratory testing of new radiopharmaceuticals, new compounding procedures, quality control methods and participation in clinical trials

Nuclear pharmacists work in a more relaxed environment compared to other areas of pharmacy, such as hospital pharmacy or retail pharmacy. There is usually no interaction with customers because many work in a highly regulated environment where consumers are not allowed.

Although the potential for radiation exposure exists in this field, it is kept to a minimum by the use of syringes, gloves, and other devices specifically designed for radioactive materials. A nuclear pharmacist would use leaded glass shielding, leaded glass syringe shields, and lead containers while working with radioactive material.

Hence, proper equipment and procedures reduce the risk of harm to personnel working in a nuclear pharmacy. Tungsten shielding is also used. While more expensive, it provides better shielding, does not break or deform like lead when dropped. It is also not toxic as lead is.

Muclear pharmacy do not develop rapidly compared to other branches of pharmacy such as pharmacognosy. It is new in Malaysia and only available at Hospital Universiti Sains malaysia at Kubang Kerian, Penang.

let's contribute to development of nuclear pharmacy in Malaysia through being a nuclear pharmacist. Happy reading! :D