Abstract:
An apparatus that acts as a shield for radiopharmaceuticals and protects individuals from radioactivity includes a first body with a first hollow core, a second body with a second hollow core and a third body with a third hollow core. The first hollow core, second hollow core and third hollow core collectively house an insert. The insert houses a hypodermic syringe. A first connection means releasably communicates the first body with the second body. A second connection means releasably communicates the first body with the third body. The second body comprises a piston actuator. The piston actuator can be operated to depress the piston of the hypodermic syringe while the first body is in communication with the second body, and while the third body is removed.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/241418 entitled “Improvement For Unit Dose Syringe Shield And Measuring Applicator”, filed Sep. 11, 2002 which is itself a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/167025 entitled “Unit Dose Syringe Shield And Measuring Applicator,” filed on Jun. 11, 2002, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates to an apparatus for transporting and administering radiopharmaceuticals, and more particularly to a radionuclide syringe shield and dose measuring applicator.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Radiopharmaceuticals are radioactive material which are widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases and body disorders. Radiopharmaceuticals are typically injected into the body of a patient by means of a hypodermic syringe. The repeated exposure to radioactive materials may over time present serious health hazards to the person preparing and administering the injection. This hazard is a result of radiation emanating from radioactive material which is to be injected.  
           [0004]    Nuclear medicine technologists may receive significant radiation exposure when repeatedly handling radiopharmaceuticals, particularly high-energy radionuclides such as, for example, F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose. The technologists are particularly at risk when preparing the dose prior to injection and following injection from direct exposure to the patient. However, the latter risk can be avoided by increasing the distance from the patient while injecting the dose and decreasing time spent near the patient after the injection.  
           [0005]    The exposure during the dose measuring procedure occurs when the dose is removed from the shipping container, when the dose is placed into and removed from the well counter and when the dose is inserted into the syringe shield. For example, the technologist&#39;s upper extremities receive a significant dose of radiation during the time the dose is unshielded. The prior art syringe shields (pigs) do not allow for measurement unless the syringe is removed from them resulting in direct exposure to the technologist&#39;s upper extremities.  
           [0006]    Existing devices that provide radiation shielding when the hypodermic syringe is being used to inject the patient, offer only limited radiation shielding. In Applicant&#39;s co-pending Application No. 10/241418, there is no radiation shielding at the piston end of the hypodermic syringe when the injection is being administered. This exposes the individual performing the injection to undesirable radiation. Furthermore, such devices require additional time to administer the injection because the protective shielding must be removed from the piston end of the hypodermic syringe before the injection can be administered.  
           [0007]    What is needed is an apparatus that will allow the measuring procedure to be carried out without the technologist being exposed to radiation from the radionuclide contained in the syringe. What is further needed is the ability of the same apparatus to act as a syringe shield to prevent escape of radiation from the radionuclide in the syringe, while it is being transported to the patient for injection. What is further needed is the ability of the same apparatus to be used to inject the patient while preventing radionuclide exposure through the piston end of the syringe.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    It is an aspect of the present invention to shield the technologist from radionuclide exposure while inserting the hypodermic syringe into a well counter.  
           [0009]    It is another aspect of the present invention to allow a measuring procedure to be carried out without the technologist being directly exposed to the radionuclide in the hypodermic syringe.  
           [0010]    It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide improved radiation shielding when the hypodermic syringe is being used to inject the patient.  
           [0011]    To accomplish these and other aspects of the present invention an apparatus that transports radiopharmaceuticals and protects individuals from radioactivity during measurement and injection includes a first body with a first hollow core open on a first edge and a second edge. The first hollow core surrounds an insert containing a hypodermic syringe. The apparatus further includes a second body with a second hollow core open on a first edge and a third body with a third hollow core open on a first edge. The second hollow core surrounds the insert with the hypodermic syringe. The third hollow core surrounds the insert with the hypodermic syringe.  
           [0012]    The second body includes means for compressing the piston of the hypodermic syringe to eject the radiopharmaceutical from the hypodermic syringe and providing protection from the radioactivity. In the preferred embodiment, the means for compressing comprises a piston actuator that includes a sliding sleeve, guides and a disk for activating the piston of the hypodermic syringe to eject the radiopharmaceutical from the hypodermic syringe when the third body is removed and providing protection from radioactivity.  
           [0013]    The third body includes extension means that allow the insert containing the hypodermic syringe to be extended from the first and third bodies when the second body has been removed. In the preferred embodiment, the extension means comprises a dose applicator that include a nut, two telescoping rods attached to the nut, and means for releasably attaching the telescoping rods to the insert with the hypodermic syringe. The extension means is for positioning the insert and the hypodermic syringe into and out of the first and third bodies whereby said individuals easily measure and transport the radiopharmaceutical in the hypodermic syringe.  
           [0014]    A first connection means releasably communicates the first body with the third body and a second communication means releasably communicates the first body with the second body for providing protection from radioactivity.  
           [0015]    These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, the description being used to illustrate the preferred embodiment of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1 illustrates the cross-section view of the double-ended syringe shield without the dose applicator.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 2 illustrates the cross-section of the dose applicator used in the double-ended syringe shield.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 3 illustrates the cross-section view of the insert device.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 4 illustrates the end-view of the insert device.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 5 illustrates the cross-section view of the single-ended syringe shield without the dose applicator.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 6 illustrates the cross-section of the dose applicator used in the single-ended syringe shield.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 7 illustrates the cross-section view of the dose applicator used in the single-ended syringe shield with a hypodermic syringe positioned in a well counter.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 8 illustrates the cross-section view of the double-ended syringe shield, transporter and dose applicator with hypodermic syringe.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 9 illustrates the cross-section of the double-ended syringe shield with the double piece insert and hypodermic syringe ready to be injected into a patient.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 10 illustrates the cross-section of the piston actuator.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 11 illustrates another cross-section of the piston actuator, rotated 90° from FIG. 10.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 12 illustrates an end view of the piston actuator.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 13 illustrates an end view of the piston actuator viewed from the opposite direction of FIG. 12.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 14 illustrates the cross-section of the dose applicator, incorporating the piston actuator. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0030]    While the present invention is described below with reference to a syringe shield, a practitioner in the art will recognize the principles of the present invention are applicable elsewhere.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 1 illustrates the cross-section of a double-ended syringe shield apparatus  10 . The double-ended syringe shield is used to transport a hypodermic syringe  25  with a radioactive pharmaceutical  26  (FIG. 8). The first body  11  releasably communicates with the second body  12  and the first body  11  releasably communicates with the third body  13 . The third body  13  releasably communicates with the nut  15 . The hypodermic syringe and a one-piece insert are positioned inside the apparatus  10  as shown in FIG. 8. The first body  11  has a first hollow core  23   a  that is formed all the way through the first body  11  from the first body first edge  11   f  to the to the first body second edge  11   e . The diameter of the first hollow core  23   a  that is formed by the first body inner surface  11   b  is a variety of sizes depending on the size of the hypodermic syringe and insert to be used. The first body  11  shape is defined by the first body outer surface  11   a  and is typically machined. However, as is known by the practitioner in the art, the machining of the first body inner surface  11   b  and the first body outer surface  11   a  is substitutable for casting the first body  1   1 . Furthermore, the first body first edge  11   f  and the first body second edge  11   e  are typically formed in parallel planes.  
         [0032]    The first connection means  34  located at the first body first edge  11   f  is usually a first male thread  11   d . It is formed starting at the first body first edge  11   f  with a diameter that is smaller than the first outer surface  11   a  and larger than the diameter of the first inner surface  11   b . Typically, the first male thread  11   d  diameter is formed in the range of about 70% to 85% of the diameter of the first outer surface  11   a . It is machined back from the first body first edge  11   f  to the first body fourth edge  11   h  for a depth of about  15 % of the overall length of the first body  11 . The first male thread  11   d  is usually a unified fine thread or a unified coarse thread.  
         [0033]    The second connection means  33  at the first body second edge  11   e  that is usually a second male thread  11   c . It is formed starting at the first body second edge  11   e  with a diameter that is smaller than the first outer surface  11   a  and larger than the diameter of the first inner surface  11   b . Typically, the second male thread  11   c  diameter is formed in the range of about 70% to 85% of the diameter of the first outer surface  11   a . It is machined back from the first body second edge  11   e  to the first body third edge  11   g  for a depth of about 15% of the overall length of the first body I  1 . The second male thread  11   c  is typically a unified fine thread or a unified coarse thread.  
         [0034]    In other applications, the male thread connections are substitutable for female threads, a locking nut arrangement or a compression flange arrangement as is known by the practitioner in the art. The first outer surface  11   a  is cylindrical in shape but is readily substitutable for any circular or polyhedron shape. Finally, the wall thickness between the first outer diameter  11   a  and the first inner diameter  11   b  must contain enough radiation shielding material to provide adequate protection against radiation exposure. The radiation is from the radiopharmaceutical  26  contained within the hypodermic syringe.  
         [0035]    The second body  12  has a second hollow core  23   b  that is formed by starting from the second body third edge  12   e  to a depth that is about 75% to 85% of the length of the second body  12 . The diameter of the second hollow core  23   b  that forms the second inner surface  12   b  is a variety of sizes depending on the size of the hypodermic syringe and insert to be positioned in the second hollow core  23   b . The second hollow core  23   b  is formed before the formation of the third inner surface  12   c  and the first female thread  12   f . The second body  12  shape is defined by the second body tapered first outer surface  12   a  and a second body second outer surface  12   g , wherein both are typically formed by machining and cylindrically shaped. Typically, the second body second outer surface  12   g  is machined. However, as is known by the practitioner in the art, machining is substitutable for casting the second body  12 . Alternately, the second body second outer surface  12   g  can have the same tapered plane as the second body tapered first outer surface  12   a.    
         [0036]    The second body second outer surface  12   g  at the second body third edge  12   e  is usually flush with the first body first outer surface  11   a . Furthermore, the second body first edge  12   h , the second body second edge  12   d  and the second body third edge  12   e  are all typically formed in parallel planes. The cylindrical shape of the second body  12  is substitutable for any circular or polyhedron shape. Finally, the wall thickness between the second outer surface  12   g , the second body tapered first outer surface  12   a  and the second inner surface  12   b  must contain enough radiation shielding material to provide adequate protection against radiation exposure.  
         [0037]    The second connection means  33  at the second body third edge  12   e  is usually a first female thread  12   f  that is formed by machining either a unified fine thread or a unified coarse thread. The first female thread  12   f  is formed starting at the second body third edge  12   e  with a diameter that is smaller than the second body second outer surface  12   g  and larger than the diameter of the second inner surface  12   b . Typically, the first female thread  12   f  diameter is formed in the range of about 70% to 85% of the diameter of the second -body tapered first outer surface  12   a  or the second body second outer surface  12   g . The first female thread  12   f  is machined back from the second body third edge  12   e  to the second body first edge  12   h  for a depth that is about 10% to 15% the distance of the overall length of the second body  12 . Alternately, the first female thread  12   f  is substitutable for a male thread, a locking nut arrangement or a compression flange arrangement as is known by the practitioner in the art.  
         [0038]    There is a second body annular ridge  23   e  that is formed to provide a means for the insert (FIG. 3) to be coaxially secured to the third inner surface  12   c . The diameter of the third inner surface  12   c  depends upon the diameter of the insert second outer surface  21   f  (FIG. 3). Typically, the third inner surface  12   c  is the size to fit an insert that accepts 3 cc or 5 cc hypodermic syringes.  
         [0039]    The third body  13  has a third hollow core  23   c  that is formed by starting from the third body third edge  13   e  to a depth that is about 75% to 85% the length of the third body  13 . The diameter of the third hollow core  23   c  that is formed at the fourth inner surface  13   b  is a variety of sizes depending upon the size of the insert and hypodermic syringe to be used. The cylindrical shape of the third body  13  is defined by the third body tapered second outer surface  13   a  and the third body first outer surface  13   g , wherein both are typically machined. However, machining the fourth inner surface  13   b , the third body tapered second outer surface  13   a  and the third body first outer surface  13   g  is substitutable for casting the entire third body  13 . Alternately, the third body first outer surface  13   g  can have the same tapered plane as the third body tapered second outer surface  13   a . The third body first outer surface  13   g  that is formed at the third body third edge  13   e  is flush with the first outer surface  11   a . Furthermore, the third body first edge  13   j , the third body second edge  13   i  and the third body third edge  13   e  are all typically formed in parallel planes. The cylindrical shape of the third body  13  is substitutable for any circular or polyhedron shape. Finally, the wall thickness between the third body first outer surface  13   g , the third body tapered second outer surface  13   a  and the fourth inner surface  13   b  must contain enough radiation shielding material to provide adequate protection against radiation exposure.  
         [0040]    The first connection means  34  at the third body third edge  13   e  is usually a second female thread  13   h  that is formed by machining either a unified fine thread or a unified coarse thread. The second female thread  13   h  is formed starting at the third body third edge  13   e  with a diameter that is smaller than the third body first outer surface  13   g  and smaller than the second tapered outer surface  13   a . The second female thread  13   h  is formed at a diameter that is larger than the fourth inner surface  13   b . Typically, the second female thread  13   h  diameter is formed in the range of about 70% to 85% of the diameter of the third body first outer surface  13   g  or the third body tapered second surface  13   a . The second female thread  13   h  is machined back from the third body third edge  13   e  to the third body first edge  13   j  for a depth that is about 15% to 25% the length of the third body  13 . As is known in the art, the second female thread  13   h  is substitutable for a male thread, a locking nut arrangement or a compression flange arrangement.  
         [0041]    The third connection means  35  that is located at the third body second edge  13 i is a releasable wrap  15   c  that releasably secures the third body  13  to the nut  15 . Typically, the releasable wrap  15   s  is a fabric hook or loop fastener, but is substitutable for any fastener that is easy to use. For example, the first telescoping rod  16   h  and second telescoping rod  16   g  can be sized to form a snug but releasable fit in the first hollow stem  13   l  and second hollow stem  13   k , allowing the nut  15  to be secured to the third body  13  by friction.  
         [0042]    The first hollow stem  13   l  and the second hollow stem  13 k that are located in the third body  13  are both formed by either machining or drilling. The third hollow core  23   c  fixedly communicates with the two hollow stems. The two hollow stems are open on the third body second edge  13   i  and the third hollow core  23   c . The first hollow stem  13   l  and the second hollow stem  13   k  are symmetrically positioned around the center of the third body second edge  13   i . The first hollow stem  13   l  is formed large enough to allow the positioning of the first telescoping rod  16   h  (FIG. 2). Furthermore, the second hollow stem  13   k  is formed large enough to allow the positioning of the second telescoping rod  16   g  (FIG. 2). Typically the first hollow stem  13   l  and the second hollow stem  13   k  are drilled. However, drilling is substitutable for casting the hollow stems into the third body.  
         [0043]    The nut  15  has a nut outer surface  15   a  that is radially formed for a flush-fit with the third body tapered second outer surface  13   a . The nut outer edge  15   f , the nut inner edge  15   h  and the third body second edge  13   i  are all formed in parallel planes. This allows the nut  15  to fit snugly against the third body  13  when the third connection means  35  is used. Finally, the thickness of material required between the nut outer edge  15   f  and the nut inner edge  15   h  is enough to adequately prevent radiation from leaking through the nut  15  in any direction.  
         [0044]    The first hollow slot  12   j  and the second hollow slot  12   k  that are located in the second body  12  are both formed by either machining, casting or drilling. The second hollow core  23   b  fixedly communicates with the two hollow slots. The two hollow slots are open on the second body second edge  12   d  and the second hollow core  23   b . The first hollow slot  12   j  and the second hollow slot  12   k  are symmetrically positioned around the center of the second body second edge  12   d . The first hollow slot  12   j  is formed large enough to allow the positioning of the first arm of the internal sleeve  37   b  (FIG. 13). Furthermore, the second hollow slot  12   k  is formed large enough to allow the positioning of the second arm of the internal sleeve  37   c . Typically the first hollow slot  12   j  and the second hollow slot  12   k  are machined.  
         [0045]    Preferably, the actuator cap  36  outer surface is radially formed for a flush-fit with the second body second  12   e . The actuator cap  36  fits snugly against the second body  12 . Finally, the thickness of the actuator cap  36  is enough to adequately prevent radiation from leaking through the actuator cap  36  in any direction.  
         [0046]    The double-ended syringe shield apparatus  10 , as illustrated in FIG. 1, shows the nut  15  communicating with the third body  13  by the third connection means  35 . The third body  13  communicates with the first body  11  by the first connection means  34 . The first body  11  communicates with the second body  12  by the second connecting means  33 . The first body first edge  11   f , the first body second edge  11   e , the first body third edge  11   g , the first body fourth edge  11   h , the second body first edge  12   h , the second body third edge  12   e , the third body third edge  13   e  and the third body first edge  13   j  are formed in parallel planes. The forming in parallel planes allows the first connection means  34  to be a snug fit between the first body  11  and the third body  13 , when they are securely connected by axially threading the first body  11  and third body  13 . The forming in parallel planes allows the second connection means  33  to be a snug fit between the first body  11  and the second body  12 , when they are securely connected by axially threading the first body  11  and second body  12 .  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 2 illustrates the cross-section of the dose applicator  18   a  used in the double-ended syringe shield apparatus  10  in the preferred embodiment of the invention. The dose applicator  18   a  communicates with and is releasably secured to the third body  13  by using a releasable wrap  15   c . The dose applicator  18   a  is used, for example, when it is desired to load the hypodermic syringe  25  (FIG. 7) into a well counter allowing radiation shielding. The dose applicator  18   a  consists of a nut  15 , a first telescoping rod  16   h , a second telescoping rod  16   g  and an insert holder  16   i . The first telescoping rod  16   h  is positioned into the first hollow stem  13   l  and communicates with the nut  15 . The second telescoping rod  16   g  is positioned into the second hollow stem  13   k  and communicates with the nut  15 . The first telescoping rod  16   h  further consists of a first telescoping rod first section  16   l  that is larger in diameter and slides around a first telescoping rod second section  16   m  that is larger in diameter and slides around a first telescoping rod third section  16   n . Furthermore the second telescoping rod  16   g  consists of a second telescoping rod first section  16   o  that is larger in diameter and slides around a second telescoping rod second section  16   p  that is larger in diameter and slides around a second telescoping rod third section  16   q . The insert holder  16 i securely fastens to the first telescoping rod first section outer end  16   r  and the second telescoping rod first section outer end  16   s . The nut  15  securely fastens to the first telescoping rod third section outer end  16   t  at the nut inner edge  15   h . The nut  15  securely fastens to the second telescoping rod third section outer end  16   u  at the nut inner edge  15   h . Finally, the first telescoping rod  16   h  and the second telescoping rod  16   g  are symmetrically positioned inside the third hollow core, wherein the insert  20  (FIG. 3) can be positioned between them and be releasably secured by the insert holder  16   i.    
         [0048]    The first hollow stem  13   l  is sized providing a first gap  19   a  between the first hollow stem circumferential surface  16   j  and the first telescoping rod first section  16   l . The first gap  19   a  is large enough to allow the first telescoping rod  16   h  to completely extend or retract inside the first hollow stem  13   l . The second hollow stem  13   k  is sized providing a second gap  19   b  between the second hollow stem circumferential surface  16   k  and the second telescoping rod first section  16   o . The second gap  19   b  is large enough to allow the second telescoping rod  16   g  to completely extend or retract inside the second hollow stem  13   k.    
         [0049]    The third connection means  35  comprises the nut  15  that releasably communicates with the third body  13  and the releasable wrap  15   c . Typically, the releasable wrap  15   c  is a fabric hook or loop fastener but the fabric can be substitutable for any connection that is easy to use. The nut outer edge  15   f , the nut inner edge  15   h  and the third body second edge  13   i  are all formed in parallel planes. The edges formed in parallel planes allow the nut  15  and the third body  13  to releasably communicate with a snug fit when the dose applicator  18   a  is retracted. The releasable wrap  15   c  is positioned around the third body tapered second outer surface  13   a  and the nut outer surface  15   a  to releasably secure the nut  15  to the third body  13 . The nut outer surface  15   a  and the third body tapered second outer surface  13   a  are formed by machining to produce a flush-fit when the nut inner edge  15   h  and the third body second edge  13   i  communicate with each other. Alternately, the nut can be cast and its edges machined to produce a flush-fit when it communicates with the third body  13 . The nut outer surface  15   a  is usually formed at the same diameter as the diameter of the third body tapered second outer surface  13   a  at the third body second edge  13   i.    
         [0050]    Those skilled in the art will recognize that other means of extending the hypodermic syringe  25  from the first body  11  and third body  13  are within the scope of the present invention. For example, a chain or cable can be substituted for the telescoping rods  16   h  and  16   g  to lower the hypodermic syringe  25  into a well counter and then to raise the hypodermic syringe into the first body  11  and third body  13 .  
         [0051]    The first telescoping rod  16 h and the second telescoping rod  16 g are substitutable for one telescoping rod. The single telescoping rod is circumferentially mountable on the holder inside edge  16   w  as long as the insert  20  can be positioned and freely movable inside the third hollow core  23   c , the second hollow core  23   b  and the first hollow core  23   a.    
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 3 is a cross-section illustration of the one piece insert  20 . The insert  20  consists of a first section  21  and a cover  30 . Alternately, the insert  20  may consist of a first and second section with a cover. The second section  22  is removable from the first section  21  along a perforation  21   b  between the first and second section (FIG. 9). The first section inner surface  21   d  has a diameter large enough to allow a 3 cc or 5 cc hypodermic syringe to be placed inside the insert  20 . Alternately, the first section first inner surface  21   d  diameter is substitutable for various sizes allowing different sizes of the hypodermic syringe to be placed inside  21   i  the insert  20 . The first section first outer surface diameter  21   a  is small enough to fit between the first telescoping rod  16   h  (FIG. 2) and second telescoping rod  16 g (FIG. 2). The first section first end  21   g  is usually rounded to the same size as the radius of the first section inner surface  21   d  so that the insert  20  will easily fit into the insert holder  16   i  (FIG. 7) when, for example, the hypodermic syringe  25  is being transported to a well counter  28 . The diameter of the first section second outer surface  21   f  is larger than the diameter of the first section first outer surface  21   a . The transition from the first section first outer surface  21   a  diameter to the first section second outer surface  21   f  diameter is in the shape of a tapered cylinder or a cone. This shape allows the insert  20  to be positioned and releasably secured by the insert holder  16   i  (FIG. 7). Alternately, the cone shape is substitutable for any polyhedron shape.  
         [0053]    The first section second end annular lip  21   h  protrudes slightly from the first section second outer surface  21   f  so that the cover  30  is secured to the first section second end  22   d  by a snap fit. Also, the first section inner annular lip  21   e  allows the hypodermic syringe  25  (FIG. 7) to snugly fit into the insert  20 . The first section inner annular lip  21   e  is integrally a part of the first section  21  where the first section first outer surface  21   a  begins transitioning to the first section second outer surface  21   f . Finally, the first section  21  is typically a clear molded plastic. However, any material is suitable as long as it is can be seen through after being molded.  
         [0054]    The cover  30  is defined by the cover outer end  30   a , the cover inner end  30   b , the cover first outer surface  30   d , the cover tapered outer surface  30   e  and the cover second outer surface  30   h . The cover  30  is further defined by the cover annular lip  30   c , the cover lip annular ridge  30   f  and the cover tapered inner surface  30   g . The cover  30  is removably attached to the first insert second end  22   d  by a snap fit. The cover annular lip  30   c  that is integrally a part of the cover  30  is positioned so as to communicate with the first section second end annular lip  21   h , at the second end annular lip inner end  21   k , and the cover annular lip inner end  30   j . The cover tapered inner surface  30   g  diameter is normally larger at its narrowest diameter than the diameter of the first section second inner surface  21   j . Furthermore, the cover lip annular ridge  30   f  is formed allowing the cover annular lip  30   c  to snap fit around the first section second end annular lip  21   h . Finally, the cover  30  is typically a clear molded plastic. However, any material is suitable as long as it can be seen through after being molded. The cover  30  would not normally be attached to the insert  20  after the hypodermic syringe  25  has been filled with radiopharmaceutical  26 .  
         [0055]    Alternatively, in uses where a covered syringe is not required by medical protocol, the syringe shield can operate without a syringe insert  21 . This would be the case, for example, when a syringe will not be in contact with a patient&#39;s blood, such as when the radiopharmaceutical  26  will be injected into an intravenous fluid delivery system rather than directly into a patient&#39;s body. In such a case, the third inner surface  12   c  would be sized to the hypodermic syringe  25  rather than to the syringe insert  20 . In addition, the insert holder  16 i would be sized to securely hold the hypodermic syringe  25  rather than the syringe insert  20 .  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 4 shows the end view of the insert  20  with the cover second outer surface  30   h , the first insert second end  22   d  and the first section inner annular lip  21   e.    
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 5 illustrates the cross-section view of the single ended syringe shield  10   a  without the dose applicator  18   a  (FIG. 6). The single-ended syringe shield is used to transport a hypodermic syringe  25  with a radioactive pharmaceutical  26  (FIG. 8). The first body  11  releasably communicates with the second body  12  and the first body  11  releasably communicates with the nut  15 . The hypodermic syringe and a one-piece insert are positioned inside the apparatus  10   a  as shown in FIG. 8. The first body  11  has a first hollow core  23   a  that is formed all the way through the first body  11  from the first body first edge  11   f  to the to the first body second edge  11   e . The diameter of the first hollow core  23   a , that is formed by the first body inner surface  11   b , is a variety of sizes depending on the size of the hypodermic syringe and insert to be used. The first body  11  shape is defined by the first body first outer surface  11   a  and the first body tapered second outer surface  11   i . All the surfaces of the first body  11  are usually machined. As is known by the practitioner in the art, the machining of the first body inner surface  11   b , the first body first outer surface  11   a  and the first body tapered second surface  11   i  is substitutable for casting the first body  11 . Furthermore, the first body first edge  11   f  and the first body second edge  11   e  are typically formed in parallel planes.  
         [0058]    The first connection means  34   a  at the first body first edge  11   f  is usually a releasable wrap  15   c . Typically, the releasable wrap  15   s  is a fabric hook or loop fastener, but is substitutable for any fastener that is easy to use.  
         [0059]    The second connection means  33  at the first body second edge  11   c  is usually a second male thread  11   c . It is formed starting at the first body second edge  11   e  at a diameter that is smaller than the first body first outer surface  11   a  and larger than the diameter of the first body inner surface  11   b . Typically, the second male thread  11   c  diameter is formed in the range of about 70% to 85% the diameter of the first body first outer surface  11   a . It is machined back from the first body second edge  11   e  to the first body third edge  11   g  for a depth of about 5% the overall length of the first body  11 . The second male thread  11   c  is typically a unified fine thread or a unified coarse thread.  
         [0060]    In other applications, the male thread connections are substitutable for female threads, a locking nut arrangement or a compression flange arrangement as is known by the practitioner in the art. The first body first outer surface  11   a  is cylindrical in shape but is readily substitutable for any circular or polyhedron shape. Also, the first body  11 , the second body  12  and the nut  15  can be cast with machining the ends and the connections. Finally, the wall thickness between the first body first outer diameter  11   a  or the first body tapered second outer surface  11   i  and the first inner diameter  11   b  must contain enough radiation shielding material to provide adequate protection against radiation exposure.  
         [0061]    At the first connection means  34 a the first body first edge  11   f  contains a first hollow stem  111  and a second hollow stem  11   k . The first and second hollow stems are large enough to have positioned inside them the first telescoping rod  16   h  (FIG. 6) and the second telescoping rod  16   g  (FIG. 6). The first and second hollow stems are typically drilled in the first body  11  from the first body first edge  11   f  through to the first hollow core  23   a.    
         [0062]    The second body  12  has a second hollow core  23   b  that is formed starting from the second body third edge  12   e  to a depth that is about 75% to 85% of the length of the second body  12 . The second hollow core  23   b  is usually machined. The diameter of the second hollow core  23   b  that is formed by the second inner surface  12   b  is a variety of sizes depending on the size of the hypodermic syringe and insert to be positioned in the second hollow core  23   b . The second body  12  shape is defined by the second body tapered first outer surface  12   a  and a second body second outer surface  12   g , wherein both are typically machined and cylindrically shaped. The second body second outer surface  12   g  diameter usually is flush with the first outer surface  11   a . Alternately, the second body second outer surface  12   g  can have the same tapered plane as the second body tapered first outer surface  12   a . Typically, the second body second outer surface  12   g  at the second body third edge  12   e  is flush with the first outer surface  11   a . Furthermore, the second body first edge  12   h , the second body second edge  12   d  and the second body third edge  12   e  are all typically formed in parallel planes. The cylindrical shape of the second body  12  is substitutable for any circular or polyhedron shape.  
         [0063]    Finally, the wall thickness between the second outer surface  12   g , the second body tapered first outer surface  12   a  and the second inner surface  12   b  must contain enough radiation shielding material to provide adequate protection against radiation exposure. The radiation is from the radiopharmaceutical  26  contained within the hypodermic syringe  25  placed inside the second hollow core  23   b.    
         [0064]    The second connection means  33  at the second body third edge  12   e  is usually a first female thread  12   f  that is formed by machining either a unified fine thread or a unified coarse thread. The first female thread  12   f  is formed starting at the second body third edge  12   e  at a diameter that is smaller than the second body second outer surface  12   g  and larger than the diameter of the second inner surface  12   b . Typically, the first female thread  12   f  diameter is formed in the range of about 70% to 85% of the diameter of the second body tapered first outer surface  12   a  or the second body second outer surface  12   g . The first female thread  12   f  is machined back from the second body third edge  12   e  to the second body first edge  12   h  for a depth that is about 15% the distance of the overall length of the second body  12 . Alternately, the first female thread  12   f  is substitutable for a male thread, a locking nut arrangement or a compression flange arrangement as is known by the practitioner in the art.  
         [0065]    There is a second body annular ridge  23   e  that is formed to provide a means for the insert (FIG. 3) to be coaxially and releasably secured to the third inner surface  12   c . The diameter of the third inner surface  12   c  depends upon the diameter of the insert second outer surface  21   f  (FIG. 3). The third inner surface  12   c  is typically the size to fit an insert that accepts 3 cc or 5 cc hypodermic syringes.  
         [0066]    The nut  15  has a nut outer surface  15   a  diameter that is flush with the diameter of the third body tapered second outer surface  13   a  at the first body first edge  11   f . The nut  15  has a length of about 10% to 15% the length of the first body  11  and extends from the nut outer edge  15   f  to the nut inner edge  15   h . A first connection means  34   a  is a releasable wrap  15   c  that is typically a fabric hook or loop fastener. Finally, the thickness of material required between the nut outer edge  15   f  and the nut inner edge  15   h  is enough to adequately prevent radiation of leaking through the nut  15  in all directions.  
         [0067]    The single-ended syringe shield apparatus  10   a  as illustrated in FIG. 5 shows the nut  15  releasably communicating with the first body  11  by the first connection means  34   a . The first body  11  releasably communicates with the second body  12  by the second connecting means  33 . The first body first edge  11   f , the first body second edge  11   e , the first body third edge  11   g , the second body first edge  12   h  and the second body third edge  12   e  are formed in parallel planes. Additionally, the nut inner edge  15   h  and the nut outer edge  15   f  are formed in parallel planes with the first and second body edges. The forming in parallel planes allows the first connection means  34   a  to be a snug fit between the first body  11  and the nut  15  when they are securely connected by the releasable wrap  15   c . The forming in parallel planes allows the second connection means  33  to be a snug fit between the first body  11  and the second body  12  when they are securely connected by axially threading the first body  11  and second body  12 .  
         [0068]    In the preferred embodiment of the invention the radiation shielding material is typically lead. However, in many applications although lead is an excellent radiation shielding material it is unsuitable because it is too heavy and insufficiently flexible. Other materials include, but are not limited to, tungsten. Consequently, the radiation shielding material is any material that will attenuate the photons released from the radioactive agent. For example, a radiation shielding material is obtainable from lead acrylate or lead methacrylate combined by polymerizing it at a temperature above the melting point in a mixture with a copolymerizable monomer such as methyl methacrylate. Alternately, another radiation shielding material comprises an elastomeric or rubbery plastics material filled with lead particles. These materials combine the excellent radiation shielding properties of lead with other materials that weigh less than lead to provide a good radiation shield that is flexible and not too heavy.  
         [0069]    Another commonly utilized radiation shielding material is tungsten. When tungsten, a tungsten compound or a tungsten based alloy is used as the material with high radiation absorptivity, when the γ-ray absorption coefficient of tungsten is not less than about 1 when the energy of the γ-ray is 511 KeV or greater, there is provided a safe radiation shielding material. For example, one such tungsten compound with high radiation absorptivity is a tungsten powder that is not less than 80% by weight or greater than 95% by weight combined with vulcanized rubber. The tungsten powder in combination with the vulcanized rubber has particle sizes in the range of about 4μ to 100 μm. When a tungsten alloy is used for the radiation shielding material a typical combination includes but is not limited to a hard-find grained internally stressed material of tungsten and carbon or tungsten, carbon and oxygen.  
         [0070]    The insert holder  16   i  material is non-attenuating typically a plastic, a fiberglass or a polyethylene that is easily formed into the shape required to hold the insert  20  as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6. In another embodiment the insert holder  16   i  is shaped so that it can directly position and hold the hypodermic syringe  25  without using the insert  20 . The first telescoping rod  16   h  and the second telescoping rod is typically constructed from a light weight material, preferably a non-attenuating material.  
         [0071]    [0071]FIG. 6 illustrates the cross-section of the single-ended syringe shield  1  O a  with the dose applicator  18   a . The dose applicator  18   a  communicates with and is releasably secured to the first body  11 . The dose applicator  18   a  is used, for example, when it is desired to load the hypodermic syringe  25  (FIG. 7) into a well counter  28 , wherein individuals are shielded from radiation emanating from the radiopharmaceutical  26  in the hypodermic syringe  25 . The dose applicator  18   a  consists of a nut  15 , a first telescoping rod  16   h , a second telescoping rod  16   g  and an insert holder  16   i . The first telescoping rod  16   h  is positioned into the first hollow stem  11   l  and communicates with the nut  15 . The second telescoping rod  16   g  is positioned into the second hollow stem  11   k  and communicates with the nut  15 . The first telescoping rod  16   h  further consists of a first telescoping rod first section  16   l  that is larger in diameter and slides around a first telescoping rod second section  16   m  that is larger in diameter and slides around a first telescoping rod third section  16   n . Furthermore the second telescoping rod  16   g  consists of a second telescoping rod first section  16   o  that is larger in diameter and slides around a second telescoping rod second section  16   p  that is larger in diameter and slides around a second telescoping rod third section  16   q . The insert holder  16   i  securely fastens to the first telescoping rod first section outer end and the second telescoping rod first section outer end. The nut  15  securely fastens to the first telescoping rod third section outer end and the second telescoping rod third section outer end at the nut inner edge  15   h . The first telescoping rod  16   h  and the second telescoping rod  16   g  are symmetrically positioned inside the third hollow core, wherein the insert  20  can be positioned between them and be releasably secured by the insert holder  16   i.    
         [0072]    The first hollow stem  11   l  is sized providing a first gap  19   a  between the first hollow stem circumferential surface  16   j  and the first telescoping rod first section  16   l . The first gap  19   a  is large enough to allow the first telescoping rod  16   h  to completely extend or retract within the first hollow core  23   a . The second hollow stem  11   k  is sized providing a second gap  19   b  between the second hollow stem circumferential surface  16   k  and the second telescoping rod first section  16   o . The second gap  19   b  is large enough to allow the second telescoping rod  16   g  to completely extend or retract within the first hollow core  23   a . The first body inner surface  11   b  is formed large enough to allow a slideable movement of the insert holder inside the hollow core  23   a.    
         [0073]    The first connection means  34   a  comprises the nut  15  with a releasable wrap  15   c  that is releasably secured to the first body  11 . Typically, the releasable wrap  15   c  is a fabric hook or loop fastener, but is substitutable for any fastener that is easy to use. The nut outer edge  15   f , the nut inner edge  15   h  and the first body first edge  11   f  are all formed in parallel planes. The edges formed in parallel planes allow the nut  15  and the first body  11  to be releasably secured with a snug fit between the nut inner edge  15   h  and the first body first edge  11   f  when the releasable wrap  15   c  is used. The nut outer surface  15   a  diameter is formed flush with the first body tapered second outer surface  11   i  at the first body first edge  11   f . However, the nut outer surface  15   a  can have a diameter that is either larger or smaller than the diameter of the first body tapered second outer surface  11   i  at the first body first edge  11   f . Typically, the nut edges and surfaces and the first body edges and surfaces are formed by machining to produce a snug-fit at the edges and a flush-fit at the surfaces. Alternately, the nut and first body can be cast with their edges machined to produce a snug fit when they are connected together.  
         [0074]    In the preferred embodiment of the invention the first body first outer surface  11   a  is typically formed as a straight cylinder while the first body tapered second outer surface  11   i  is formed as a cone. Alternately, the first body first outer surface  11   a  is substitutable for a tapered surface that matches the first body tapered second outer surface  11   i.    
         [0075]    The first telescoping rod  16   h  and the second telescoping rod  16   g  are substitutable for one telescoping rod. The single telescoping rod is circumferentially mountable on the holder inside edge  16   w  as long as the insert  20  can be positioned and freely movable inside the third hollow core  23   c , the second hollow core  23   b  and the first hollow core  23   a.    
         [0076]    [0076]FIG. 7 illustrates the single-ended apparatus  10   a  being loaded into a well counter  28 . The well counter  28  typically has a well counter liner  27  that the apparatus  10   a  is set into to allow the hypodermic syringe  25  containing a radiopharmaceutical  26  to be loaded and measured at the well counter  28 . The dose applicator  18   a  positions the insert  20  by the insert holder  16   i  and the first telescoping rod  16   h  and the second telescoping rod  16   g . The well counter liner gap  27   a  is large enough so that the first body second male thread  11   c  can easily fit into the well counter liner  27  allowing the first body  11  to set on top of the well counter liner. In this illustration the second body  12  (FIG. 5) has been removed and the first body  11  is positioned into the well counter liner  27  in the direction of the arrow  31 . The nut  15  is extended as the insert  20  rests in the first hollow core  23  to be pushed into the well counter  28  in the direction of the arrow  31 .  
         [0077]    [0077]FIG. 8 illustrates the doubled-ended apparatus  10  with the dose applicator  18   a . The apparatus  10  transports a hypodermic syringe  25  containing a radiopharmaceutical  26  and protects individuals from radiation generated therefrom. A first body  11  releasably communicates with a second body  12  and the first body  11  releasably communicates with a third body  13 . The third body  13  releasably communicates with a nut  15 . Attached to the nut  15  is the first telescoping rod  16   h  and the second telescoping rod  16   g  of the dose applicator  18   a . The first telescoping rod  16   h  is positioned in the first hollow stem  13   l  and sized to allow all of the sections of the first telescoping rod  16   h  to move freely within the first hollow stem  13   l . Likewise, the second telescoping rod  16   g  is positioned in the second hollow stem  13   k  and sized to allow all of the sections of the second telescoping rod  16   g  to move freely within the second hollow stem  13   k . Finally, the first connection means  34  releasably secures the first body  11  to the third body  13 , the second connection means  33  releasably secures the first body  11  to the second body  12  and the third connection means  35  releasably secures the third body  11  to the nut  15 .  
         [0078]    The dose applicator is positioned in the first hollow core  23   a , the second hollow core  23   b  and the third hollow core  23   c . This allows the hypodermic syringe  25  with the radiopharmaceutical  26  to be positioned inside the insert  20  wherein the insert is releasably secured to the dose applicator  18   a  by the insert holder  16   i . Radiation leakage around the dose applicator  18   a  is significantly reduced by releasably securing the third body  13  and the nut  15  with the releasable wrap  15   c . For example, when the nut  15  is not releasably secured by the releasable wrap  15   c  the nut can be moved away from the third body  13  exposing the first hollow stem  13   l  and the second hollow stem  13   k . When there is radiation emanating from the radiopharmaceutical  26  located in the third hollow core  23   c  the radiation leakage is possible out of the first hollow stem  13   l  and second hollow stem  13   k . A snug-fit between the third body  13  and nut  15  using the releasable wrap  15   c  as the third connection means  35  prevents this radiation leakage.  
         [0079]    [0079]FIG. 9 illustrates one view of the preferred embodiment of the invention, including the first body  11  and second body  12  (with the piston actuator  17 ) of the double-ended apparatus  10  with the hypodermic syringe  25  and the radiopharmaceutical  26  wherein the radiopharmaceutical can be injected into a patient or intravenous delivery system. The first body  11  and second body  12  are the radionuclide shield surrounding the insert  20  and are constructed of various materials including, but not limited to tungsten and lead. The insert holder  16   i  (FIG. 8) has been removed from the first hollow core  23   a  along with the dose applicator  18   a  (FIG. 8). When the radiopharmaceutical  26  is going to be injected into a patient the second section  22  of the insert  20  is removed from the first section  21  at the perforation  21   b . The piston actuator  17  is partially withdrawn from the second body  12  and the actuator cap  36  is rotated to the engaged position, causing the internal sleeve engagement tooth  37   a  to engage the disk  39 , which in turn engages the piston of the syringe  25 . This is accomplished without exposing anyone to the radiation emanating from the radiopharmaceutical  26 . The hypodermic syringe  25  is ready to be injected into the patient or intravenous delivery system once the needle cover  32  is removed. The radiopharmaceutical  26  is injected by depressing the actuator cap  36  which in turn compresses the syringe  25 .  
         [0080]    [0080]FIG. 10 illustrates the cross-section of the piston actuator  17  used in the double-ended syringe shield apparatus  10  in the preferred embodiment of the invention. The piston actuator  17  communicates with and is slidably secured to the second body  12 . The piston actuator  17  is used, for example, to inject the contents of the hypodermic syringe  25  (FIG. 7) into a patient or intravenous tubing.  
         [0081]    In the preferred embodiment, the means for compressing includes piston actuator  17  that comprises an actuator cap  36 , a disk  39 , at least one guide  38 , and an internal sleeve  37 , having a first arm  37   b , a second arm  37   c , a retainer lip  37   d  and an engagement tooth  37   a . The internal sleeve  37  is a hollow cylinder, sized to allow it to slide within the second hollow core  23   b  without contacting the insert  20  or hypodermic syringe  25 . The internal sleeve first arm  37   b  is positioned in the first hollow slot  12   j  and communicates with the actuator cap  36 . The internal sleeve second arm  37   c  is positioned in the second hollow slot  12   k  and communicates with the actuator cap  36 . The actuator cap  36  and the internal sleeve  37  are fixedly connected. The first hollow slot  12   j  and second hollow slot  12   k  are of sufficient width to allow the internal sleeve arms  37   b  and  37   c  to slide in the hollow slots  12   j  and  12   k , allowing the internal sleeve  37  to slide longitudinally relative to the second body  12 . FIG. 11 illustrates the cross section of the second body  12  with the actuator cap  36  and internal sleeve arms  37   b  and  37   c  extended from the second body  12 .  
         [0082]    The first hollow slot  12   j  and second hollow slot  12   k  are of sufficient length relative to the width of the internal sleeve arms  37   b  and  37   c  that the actuator cap  36  is capable of rotating less than a full rotation, preferably approximately a quarter rotation, relative to the second body  12 . In the preferred embodiment, the limit of rotation of the actuator cap  36  in one direction would be the engaged position and the limit of rotation of the actuator cap  36  in the opposite direction would be the disengaged position.  
         [0083]    The disk  39  consists of at least one guide notch  39   a  and at least one engagement notch  39   b . In the preferred embodiment there are two guide notches  39   a  and two engagement notches  39   b , corresponding to two guides  38  and two engagement teeth  37   a . The disk  39  is sized so that it can slide within the internal sleeve  37 . The at least one engagement notch  39   b  is slightly larger than the internal sleeve engagement tooth  37   a . The at least one guide notch  39   a  is approximately the same size as the diameter of the at least one guide  38 . The at least one guide  38  is fixedly attached to the inside of the second body  12 , opposite the second body second surface  12   d  and extends to the second body first surface  12   e . The at least one guide notch  39   a  slidably communicates with the at least one guide  38 , allowing the disk  39  to slide within the internal sleeve  37 . The at least one guide  38  prevents the disk  39  from rotating relative to the second body  12 . The internal sleeve retainer lip  37 d, retains the disk  39  inside of the internal sleeve.  
         [0084]    The internal sleeve engagement tooth  37   a  is positioned on the inside surface of the internal sleeve  37 . The location of the internal sleeve engagement tooth is selected such that depressing the actuator cap when it is in the engaged position will completely compress the syringe piston into the syringe  25 . The internal sleeve engagement tooth must be of sufficient size that it will engage the disk  39  when the disk  39  slides within the internal sleeve  37 . The disk engagement notch  39   b  is positioned such that when the actuator cap  36  is rotated to the disengaged position and is extended from the second body, the internal sleeve engagement tooth  37   a  passes through the engagement notch  39   a.    
         [0085]    When the actuator cap  36  is then rotated to the engaged position and compressed into the second body  12 , the disk engagement notch  39   b  engages the disk  39  and causes the disk  39  to engage the piston of a syringe  25  contained within the double ended syringe shield apparatus  10 . The actuator cap  36  is usually sized to the same diameter as the diameter of the second body  12  at the second body second edge  12   d.    
         [0086]    While there has been illustrated and described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, it should be appreciated that numerous changes and modifications are likely to occur to those skilled in the art. It is intended in the appended claims to cover all those changes and modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.