Evaluation of Shielded Syringe Carriers for Transporting Radioactive Doses

Abstract

We evaluated four commercially available lead-lined syringe carriers typically used for transportation of radiopharmaceutical unit doses to determine their ability to safely contain radioactivity. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) “performance criteria” were utilized as parameters to judge relative effectiveness. However, because specific design assessments are left to the user’s discretion, we tested all four syringe carriers for: weight and thickness of lead; efficacy in attenuating radiation emitted from the most commonly shipped radiopharmaceuticals; effectiveness in prevention of leakage from the enclosed syringe; and compliance with DOT regulations. One syringe carrier model was found to safely contain radioactive emissions from both high- and low- energy radionuclides; while a second model was shown to provide adequate containment only when used for lower energy radionuclides (e.g., technetium products). Two other models were evaluated as less effective in several parameters including containment of fluids.