This makes it easy for the nuclear medicine department to order the necessary doses, keep track of deliveries, administer the product ot the patient and minimize radioactive waste. In a nuclear pharmacy, unit doses must be drawn from the prepared radiopharmaceutical kit for delivery to the nuclear medicine department. Again, leaded glass syringe shields and other tools help decrease the radiation exposure to the nuclear pharmacist. In addition to preparing and dispensing the radioactive products, nuclear pharmacists are available to provide drug information to other health professionals, to aid the nuclear medicine staff in the selection of products, and to assist in the interpretation of unusual studies. Nuclear pharmacists receive extensive training on the various radiopharmaceuticals that are used, as well as training on the safe handling of radioactive materials and the procedures that will minimize radiation exposure to themselves and to others.
Nuclear pharmacists serve as vital links in the provision of nuclear medicine services.
By working closely with the nuclear medicine staff, nuclear pharmacists can contribute a tremendous amount to the provision of care for the patients who are undergoing nuclear medicine procedures. While similar to traditional pharmacy, nuclear pharmacy is also in many ways unique, and can be a challenging and rewarding career choice for pharmacists. Nuclear Medicine Cases Click on the links below to view examples of common nuclear medicine procedures.