Radiopharmaceutics Flashcards
Radiation
Energy in transit in the form of electromagnetic waves and/or high-speed particles
Define nuclide
an atom with a specific number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus
Atomic number
number of protons
Atomic Mass
sum of protons and neutrons
Define Isotopes
Different forms of the same element
Same atomic number but varying number of neutrons
Imbalance increases = unstable or radioactive element
Radioactivity: transformation, decay or disintegration
Spontaneous transformation of an unstable atom resulting in the emission of radiation
Types of Radiation
Emitted as particulate or electromagnetic
Alpha or beta particles or gamma rays
Alpha Particles
Positively charges containing 2 protons and 2 neutrons
Helium nucleus
Beta Particles
Negatively charged
Identical to electrons
Gamma Rays
No mass nor charge
Similar to x-rays (radiant energy)
Sheilding
Alpha and beta particles require low levels of shielding
Shielding made of lead or contrete are required for gamma rays/Xrays
Ingestion or Inhalation of alpha or beta particles
Can cause severe tissue damage because of direct contact with radioactive substances
Radiopharmaceuticals
Radioactive pharmaceutical agent that is used for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
Radionuclides
Occur naturally or can be man-made
Nuclear pharmacy
Dedicated to the compounding and dispensing of radiopharmaceuticals for use in nuclear medicine procedures
Practices of Nuclear Pharmacy
Order, receipt, storage and inventory Preparation Functional checks Filing orders Packaging, labeling and transport of radiopharmaceuticals Handling/disposing of hazardous waste Communication Quality control Patient consultation/counseling
Nuclear Pharmacy Work Environment
Protection Avoidance of contamination Radiation detection Clean air circulation Disposal of waste
Components of Nuclear Pharmacy
Benches Stainless steel sinks Exhaust fume hoods Laminar flow hoods Storage area Safety shower and eye wash
Dispening of radiopharmaceuticals
Never given to the patient directly
Given to trained health care professionals
Special labeling required with standard radiation symbol
Film badges
Piece of photographic film that is sensitive to energies corresponding to radioactive emissions
Geiger counter
Instrument that detects ionizing radiation
Metal tube filled with gas (argon)
Diagnostic Radiopharmaceuticals
Administered as diagnostic tracer to differentiate normal from abnormal
-Short lived isotopes given by injection, inhalation or orally
Gamma camera can detect emissions
Radioactive source is attached to something that is known to go where you want the radioactive material to go (tagging)
Positron Emission Tomography Imaging (PET)
3D image of functional processes of the body
Detects gamma rays from annihilation
Shows function
Used in oncology for tumors, cardiology for viability, neurology for diseases
18F half life
99Tc half life
110 minutes
6 hours