Nuclear Cardiology: Nuclear Cardiology:

8• Oxygen tank and regulatorNuclear Cardiology, The Basics• Nasal cannula and extension tubing• Mouth piece• Ambu bag• Code cart and defibrillator• Portable ECG monitor(s)• Nitroglycerin tablets• Aminophylline• Lidocaine• Atropine• Metoprolol• Aspirin• Diltiazem• Nebulizers• Albuterol inhalersThe following are optional emergency drugs• Furosemide• IV Nitroglycerin• HeparinRADIOPHARMACYSetting up the Hot LabWhether one decides to purchase technetium-99m generators andprepare radiopharmaceuticals on site in the laboratory, or to buy “unitdoses” from a local commercial radiopharmacy, one needs to make surethat there is a separate and dedicated area for radiopharmaceutical preparationand storage, the “hot lab.” The area is set aside from the usual workareas, has limited access, and therefore does not expose staff and patientsto unnecessary radiation.This area must be large enough to provide storage for both isotopesreceived and radioactive trash, and to allow for preparation and calibrationof radiotracers (Fig. 1-3). The minimal size of a hot lab with agenerator is approximately 6 × 6 ft (1.8 × 1.8 m). For the handling of unitdoses one needs to reserve an area of at least 4 × 4 ft (1.2 × 1.2 m).It is prudent to plan this component of the imaging facility with aradiation safety officer (RSO) and have him/her involved in the designof the facility from the very beginning. At least one cabinet, in whichradioisotopes and radioactive trash are stored, requires walls with leadshielding. Whether or not the door and walls of the hot lab need leadshielding depends on what is being stored, where the hot lab is located,and the assessment of the RSO.