Safe Working Environment
One of the biggest challenges dealing with toxic and radioactive substances is the radiation exposure of the staff. Maximum radiation exposure to staff occurs during the generator elutions, compounding (kit preparation), and unit-dose dispensing.
Furthermore, higher hand exposure is caused by direct handling and injecting of radiopharmaceuticals.
Current safety measurements include body shielding (which does not protect the hands during manual dispensing), frequent monitoring in the form of bioassays and the use of strict threshold levels. The last two ensure early detection of exposure to radiopharmaceuticals and quick corrective action, however neither can prevent the exposure, when occurs.
RescueDose has developed an automated compounding dispensing (ACD) robot for the preparation and dispensing of liquid medication designed to minimize staff exposure to radiopharmaceuticals and maximize safety.