Henry M. Chilton

The utility of adrenal scintigraphy in Cushing's syndrome and hyperaldosteronism

Thirty-three adrenal scintigrams in 30 patients were reviewed to determine the utility of this noninvasive imaging technique. It was found to be very accurate in distinguishing bilateral from unilateral hyperfunction in patients who have clinical and biochemical evidence of adrenal cortical hyperfunction. The technique proved correct in 12 of 12 cases of Cushings syndrome and 14 of 19 cases of hyperaldosteronism. Specific clinical questions were also answered in three miscellaneous cases.

Analytical Instrumentation in the QC of Pet Radiopharmaceuticals

The PET Center at North Carolina Baptist Hospital-Bowman Gray School of Medicine has been in operation since January of 1992. It was designed and equipped to conveniently and efficiently accommodate both the clinical and developmental research requirements of a PET Center. The facility is comprised of approximately 12, 000 sq. ft. of space which includes the cyclotron, scanning/patient area, radiochemistry/radiopharmacy, chemistry, blood lab, scan reading room and office area. The laboratory/research area includes 3255 sq. ft. of the available space, and is used for production, quality control, blood analysis and research.

The Joint Commission (JCAHO) and Nuclear Pharmacy

One of the central themes of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) review process involves emphasis on quality assurance of provided services with the goal of high quality patient outcomes. Within nuclear pharmacy practice, quality assurance activities are planned, systematic actions involving radiopharmaceuticals and equipment (and associated record-keeping functions for each) as well as cognitive clinical services. Concerns for appropriate quality assurance activities are voiced by other regulatory agencies (such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission) and echoed by the JCAHO. The present discussion will highlight selected areas of nuclear pharmacy practice as it pertains to quality assurance of radiopharmaceutical receipt, preparation, and distribution, as well as equipment usage associated with these functions.