| abstract |
Apparatus and method for producing a radiopharmaceutical formulation utilize a radiation-shielding container for receiving a vial having the non-radioactive components necessary to form a radiopharmaceutical formulation therein. A mixture of such non-radioactive components and a radioactive liquid added thereto is both heated and cooled using a thermoelectric element. The container comprises a hollow outer shielding member formed from a radiation shielding material and a vial holder formed from a highly heat conductive material received therewithin. The vial holder includes a skirt portion that defines a socket. The socket is sized to receive in an intimate heat transmissive relationship a mounting projection that is itself connected in thermally conductive contact with the thermoelectric element. Using the thermoelectric heating and cooling element, heat is both applied to and removed from the radioactive liquid and the non-radioactive components within the vial while the vial is held within the vial holder within the radiation shielding container, thereby to produce a radiopharmaceutical formulation within the vial. |