Nuclear pharmacy compounding

Sections I-V of this chapter deal with the syntheses of unsaturated organic compounds playing an essential role in biochemical processes of life. Numerous polyunsaturated compounds have been synthesized in order to elucidate their physiological role, for instance in brain. However, the main impact on permanent searches for new improved methods of synthesis of isotopically labelled dienes and polyenes comes from nuclear medicine and nuclear pharmacy. The deuterium and carbon-13 labelled polyunsaturated compounds are needed as internal standards in mass spectral determinations of very low concentrations of biologically active substances in biological fluids. 

Nuclear pharmacy seeks to improve and promote public health through the safe and effective use of radioactive drugs for diagnosis and therapy. A nuclear pharmacist, as a member of the nuclear medicine team, specializes in procurement, compounding, quality assurance, dispensing, distribution, and development of radiopharmaceuti-cals. In addition, the nuclear pharmacist monitors patient outcomes and provides information and consultation regarding health and safety issues. 

Radiopharmaceuticals. Radioactive isotopes for human use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease states are called radiopharmaceuticals. Whereas the dosage form types used, e.g., solutions or injections, are traditional, special handling of these products during compounding, transport, and use is vital. Most are administered intravenously and shortly after preparation. Specialized pharmacies prepare these products overnight and transport them to hospitals for early administration by members of nuclear medicine departments. 

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