Through years of experience, Positron has developed equipment intended to address key issues facing the Nuclear Medicine industry. Radiation exposure is a growing concern which sparked the concept of the Tech-Assist, a PET infusion and 
shielding system. The Tech-Assist is a tool to maximize compliance with ALARA principles.
Unique
The Tech-Assist is a PET unit dose infusion and shielding system which reduces personnel exposure during FDG or other PET radiopharmaceutical injections. The ALARA principles of time, distance and shielding are the basis for the concept and design of the Tech-Assist. The Tech-Assist has several elements whichprovide improved shielding, increased distance during transport and injection, as well as reduced time in proximity to the radioactive source.
The Tech-Assist is comprised of two main parts: the cart and syringe shield. The cart provides a means for transporting the dose while maintaining a safe distance from the radiation source. The cart is fitted with a rotating bracket, where the syringe shield is seated. This bracket rotates 360° allowing the technologist to inject the right or left arm with ease. The cart is also fitted with an adjustable lift which allows the technologist to inject into ports or supine patients.
Superior
Several of the Tech-Assist design features support the ALARA principles of time, distance and shielding. The Tech-Assist syringe shield is fabricated from tungsten. This enhanced syringe shield was designed with an external plunger which manually mimics and actuates the internal dose syringe’s plunger. The Tech-Assist shields its user from the dose during the injection process. Studies evaluating the Tech-Assist’s shielding capabilities indicated a measurable reduction in exposure relative to previously utilized shielding methods.
The Tech-Assist does not require any special syringes or tubing sets as part of its daily use, keeping operational costs down. Standard consumables consist of 3-way stopcocks or tubing sets which are already utilized or commonly stocked. The Tech-Assist syringe shield accommodates a 5cc dose syringe, which is typically utilized by most FDG providers.
