Validation of a new protocol for 18F-FDG infusion using an automatic combined dispenser and injector system

Purpose In nuclear medicine, radiopharmaceuticals are usually administered in unit doses partitioned from multi-dose vials. The partitioning typically takes place in a radiopharmacy, depending on local practice. Automatic, as opposed to manual, partitioning and administration should reduce radiation exposure of the personnel involved, improve the accuracy of the administration and mitigate contamination. This study set out to verify and validate the 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) administration procedure performed using Intego™ (MEDRAD, Inc., Warrendale, PA, USA), a combined dispenser and injector system. We considered maintenance of sterility and the system’s potential to improve, with respect to the manual procedure, the accuracy of net administered 18F-FDG radioactivity in patients and the radiation protection of operators.