The eluate is then collected in a shielded evacuated vial. After performing quality assurance tests on the eluate, it can be used in the preparation of the final radiopharmaceutical products. In order to provide protection while handling radioactive material, most compounding is done behind leaded glass shielding and using leaded glass syringe shields and lead containers to hold the radioactive material. Lead is an excellent shielding material that serves to protect the nuclear pharmacist from the radioactive emissions from our products. With over 100 different nuclear medicine procedures performed today, there are many different products that can be used.
Most radiopharmaceuticals are available as kit formulations.
All materials necessary for preparation are available in the nonradioactive kit with the exception of the radioactive isotope. When the radioactive isotope is added to the kit, the chemical reactions required for binding the isotope occur within the vial. In most cases, when the tagging reaction is complete, the final product will be ready for quality control verification and unit dose dispensing. Since nuclear pharmacy practice involves the on-site compounding of most of the products being dispensed, each product that is compounded in the nuclear pharmacy must be tested prior to dispensing any individual doses. Simple instant thin layer chromatography tests quickly and accurately provide information on the radiochemical composition of the kit that was prepared.