Automated dispensing and calibration of diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals

Validation of an automated dispensing system for subsequent dose dispensing of different radionuclides

BACKGROUND

Automated dispensing systems (ADSs) for radiopharmaceuticals have been developed to reduce the radiation exposure of personnel, to improve the accuracy of the dispensed dose and to limit the microbiological contamination. However, before implementing such systems, validation according to various applicable guidelines is necessary to ensure safety and quality. Here we present the selection, validation and implementation of the PT459R2 from manufacturer Lynax s.r.o. as a guidance protocol for validation according to GMP and GRPP guidelines. Validation included linearity accuracy and precision of the internal scintillation detector for different isotopes and microbiological validation for aseptic procedures.

RESULTS

The ADS can dispense accurate doses in the following linear range: 1000-10,000 MBq for lutetium-177, 20-74 MBq for zirconium-89, 100-1000 MBq for gallium-68 and 100-2000 MBq for fluorine-18. The maximum bias is 2.35% and the maximum coefficient of variation is 3.03% which meets the acceptance criteria of < 5%. Furthermore, the ADS does not affects the GMP class A environment in a laminar airflow cabinet and can dispense aseptically. In addition, radiation exposure is acceptable and data integrity is preserved.

CONCLUSION

The PT459R2 ADS met all the requirements from our performance qualification and is therefore suitable for daily routine use in our center. Our approach can be used as a guidance for PQ of an ADS in a Radiopharmacy according to GMP and GRPP guidelines.

Validation of an automated dose-dispensing system for 18F-FDG administrations and associated reduction in operator extremity dose

OBJECTIVE

The current procedure at our centre for partitioning multidose vials of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) is based on a manual method. To reduce extremity dose while reducing contamination risk, maintaining product sterility and improving the accuracy of injected activity, we recently purchased a new semiautomated partitioning system (μDDS-A). This work reports on the operating characteristics of the system and its validation for clinical use in terms of dispensing accuracy and extremity dose reduction.

METHODS

A range of operators carried out 300 automated partitioning procedures by following a typical working-day setup. The accuracy of the activity resulting from system partitioning compared with true syringe activity was determined. We also determined the precision of system-determined activity when compared with user-requested activity. The cumulative finger dose for automated and manual partitioning techniques was measured at the fingertip using a digital dosimeter, recording the dose at different stages of the procedure.

RESULTS

The results of comparisons made between the final syringe activity measured by the system and the measurement of the true syringe activity independently of the system were within ±5% for 96.63% of syringes. Precision of the syringe activity provided by the system with respect to the user-requested activity was within ±10% for 96.96% of measurements. Average finger doses compared with a manual partitioning method showed a reduction of up to 80% when relying only on the system measurement of activity.

CONCLUSION

The μDDS-A reproducibly partitions a vial of F-FDG and offers a significant reduction in extremity dose to the operator of up to 80% in comparison with a manual partition technique.