ANSTO has developed a new range of easier to use packaging that also reduces potential radiation doses to handlers of liquid nuclear medicines. The packaging is going into distribution to ANSTOs customers in nuclear medicine and imaging centres throughout Australia, New Zealand and some parts of Asia from this week.
Radioisotopes are distributed by ANSTO under the Australian Radioisotopes (ARI) tradename. ARI draws upon materials produced in ANSTOs HIFAR research reactor and its National Medical Cyclotron, adjoining Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Sydney. Painted lead pots containing the radioisotopes have previously been packed in sealed cans filled with vermiculite. These have then been packaged in cartons for transport.
A Total Quality Management team of ARI staff initiated the replacement packaging project after consultations with customers. As a result, a leading Australian industrial packaging designer was commissioned and the lead pots were redesigned and the metals cans and cartons replaced. Before implementation the prototypes were extensively trialled with stakeholders including dispatch staff, couriers and customers.
The new lead pots have been produced in an easily handled, rounded triangular form, with a bayonet opening mechanism. The enclosed vial stands above the surface of the opened pot, permitting faster removal and replacement, reducing exposure to its radioactive contents.
In addition, the lead pots have been encased in heavy duty plastic. The previously used containers could have exposed users to bare lead if painted surfaces had chipped or worn.
Plastic pails are replacing the metal cans and cartons in which pots were sealed and transported. Each has a tamper-evident seal, which must be broken to allow its lid to be removed. Custom-cut foam blocks in which the lead pot is placed have replaced vermiculite that was used in transport containers. The packaging materials are fully recyclable.
Published: 04/11/1998