Domain III(G): administer radiopharmaceuticals & non-radioactive agents

IV

- most common administration route in nuclear medicine

- must use aseptic technique

oral (PO)

- administration via capsule, liquid, or food

- patient must be NPO prior to administration

intrathecal

- performed via lumbar puncture

- specialized route for cisternography

- strict aseptic technique

patient must remain supine for several hours PI to avoid headache & poor distribution

special consideration for the patient post intrathecal injection

intradermal (ID)

- injection just beneath the skin surface

- used to identify sentinel lymph nodes

intramuscular (IM)

- injected into large muscle mass

- absorption is slower than IV, but faster than oral

- used for recombinant human TSH (thyrogen)

recombinant human TSH (thyrogen)

stimulates thyroid tissue for I-131 & I-123 patients who can't stop taking their thyroid medication

bolus

rapid injection of radiopharmaceutical

infusion

- slow, steady administration over time

- often given via IV pump or drip

infusion

used when gradual distribution is needed or patient can't tolerate bolus

aseptic technique

- critical for preventing infection & contamination

- apply to all injection routes & kit preparations

- maintain sterility of multi-dose vials, avoid touching plunger or needle tips