Cardinal Health Nuclear Pharmacy Service
OKC, Tulsa
A radiopharmaceutical is defined as a radioactive drug. Although this definition implies that a drug-like effect is associated with their use, radiopharmaceuticals usually do not have any pharmacologic response and are primarily used for diagnostic purposes.
A nuclear pharmacy is similar to a traditional pharmacy in that prescriptions are ordered, processed, filled and records of inventory are dispensed and maintained. It is unique in that the radioactive nature of the pharmaceuticals requires special handling, preparing, and dispensing. Radiopharmaceuticals are prescribed according to units of radioactivity rather than the typical milligrams or milliliters. The actual dispensing requires the calculation of the amount of radioactivity at the time it will be used for patient imaging. Since they are prepared for various times during the day, calculations must be made to account for the radioactive decay so the correct amount of the radiotracer will be available at the time of dosing. Before any radiopharmaceutical leaves Cardinal, the kit it was prepared from is checked for quality by doing a quality control test and is calibrated in a dose calibrator for accuracy. All material for preparation of doses and the doses themselves are handled and stored in lead-shielded containers called pigs. All containers and personnel are monitored for radioactivity before leaving and after return to the pharmacy.
While interning at Cardinal, computer work is taught, quality control operation, safety practices, and the proper way to handle and prepare doses. The experience is a very unique one and shows students a unique and exciting side of pharmacy practice.