A method and apparatus for transporting radiopharmaceuticals. Typically,
the apparatus is a two-part assembly, each part having an exterior shell,
a radiation shield and a non-porous lining. Additionally, the assembled
apparatus has a sealed internal chamber suitable for carrying a syringe
or a sharps container containing a syringe. The internal chamber of the
radiopharmaceutical pig is lined with a non-porous lining, typically a
durable plastic, that prevents contamination of the radiopharmaceutical
doses, the radiation shield, or the environment. Additionally, the
non-porous lining can be quickly and easily cleaned and sterilized,
avoiding the often difficult, to impossible, task of cleaning and
sterilizing the radiation shield of the radiopharmaceutical pig. The
non-porous lining is surrounded by a radiation shield that is typically
comprised of elemental lead. The radiation shield prevents radiation from
the radiopharmaceutical from contaminating the user or environment. The
radiation shield is surrounded by an exterior shell that absorbs impact
and prevents the radiopharmaceutical pig from breaking. Additionally, the
exterior shell prevents environmental exposure to the potentially
hazardous material of the radiation shield. Generally, a method of
transporting a radiopharmaceutical by filling the container with a
radiopharmaceutical, inserting the container into the internal chamber of
the radiopharmaceutical pig having a non-porous lining, and assembling
the radiopharmaceutical pig so the that the container is in the internal
chamber and is encapsulated by the radiation shield, is also provided.