Final answer:
Nuclear pharmacies require a shield and containment system, including lead shields and specialized containment hot cells, storage facilities like lead-lined refrigerators, PPE, dose calibrators, and radioactivity detectors, as well as cleanroom environments to safely handle and prepare radioactive materials used in medical applications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nuclear pharmacies, which may be found in large hospitals or independent facilities, require specialized equipment to handle and prepare radioactive materials used for medical diagnosis and treatment. An essential component of this equipment is the shield and containment system, necessitated by the dangerous nature of ionizing radiation emitted by radioactive substances. Protection of personnel and patients is of utmost importance. Therefore, these pharmacies are equipped with lead shields, syringe shields, and specialized containment hot cells equipped with manipulation arms, all of which are thoughtfully designed to safeguard against radiation exposure. Moreover, nuclear pharmacies must have proper storage facilities such as lead-lined refrigerators to keep radiopharmaceuticals at the required temperatures without compromising safety. Personal protective equipment (PPE), dose calibrators, and radioactivity detectors are also crucial for maintaining a safe environment and accurately preparing doses for medical applications.
Furthermore, cleanroom environments that meet the specified air purity standards are necessary for the compounding and preparation of radioactive drugs. This environment ensures that the sterility and quality of radiopharmaceuticals are maintained, thus ensuring patient safety. Nuclear engineers often design these systems and processes to fulfill the stringent requirements set by nuclear regulatory commissions, ensuring they are suitable for use in both the production and application of radioactive materials in medicine. Decommissioning of equipment is also a critical process once devices are no longer serviceable, requiring carefully planned protocols to minimize radioactive contamination and exposure.