Dose Calibrator with Vial Syringe and Capsule Adapters for Hot Cell Versatility

The Dose Calibrator with Universal Adapters is designed to handle the full range of radiopharmaceutical containers used in nuclear medicine hot cells. Standard dose calibrators are optimized for a single container type — typically 10-30 mL vials — and produce inaccurate readings when used with syringes, capsules, or non-standard vial sizes. This instrument includes a set of interchangeable adapters that position each container type at the optimal measurement geometry. The adapters are quick-change: the user removes one adapter and inserts another in under 5 seconds, with no tools required. Each adapter is factory-calibrated for all common isotopes, ensuring ±5% accuracy regardless of container type. The adapters are constructed of radiation-resistant plastic with smooth surfaces for easy decontamination, and they store in a shielded rack inside the hot cell when not in use.

The Universal Adapters Dose Calibrator is designed for nuclear medicine departments that handle multiple container types in their hot cell operations. Primary applications include measuring Tc-99m eluates in 30 mL vials, dispensing F-18 patient doses in 3 mL or 5 mL syringes, quantifying I-131 therapy doses in capsules (sizes 000, 00, 0, 1, 2), measuring I-123 diagnostic doses in smaller capsules, verifying Lu-177 doses in 10 mL vials for PRRT, and measuring residual activity in empty containers of all types for waste characterization. The instrument is particularly valuable for departments that prepare doses for multiple purposes (diagnostic, therapy, research) requiring different container types, and for departments that receive radiopharmaceuticals from commercial suppliers in various container configurations.

The Universal Adapters Dose Calibrator includes a set of six adapters covering all common container types used in nuclear medicine.

Each adapter is factory-calibrated for all common isotopes (Tc-99m, F-18, I-131, I-123, Lu-177, Ga-67, Ga-68, Y-90, Ac-225, and others), with calibration factors stored in the instrument's nuclide library. When the user selects an isotope and inserts an adapter, the instrument automatically applies the correct calibration factor for that isotope-adapter combination. The adapters are quick-change: the user simply pulls the current adapter out of the chamber and pushes the new adapter in. A mechanical latch holds the adapter securely, and an optical sensor detects which adapter is installed, automatically updating the display. The adapters are constructed of acetal plastic (Delrin), which is radiation-resistant, chemically resistant, and easy to decontaminate. The adapters can be wiped with alcohol or mild detergents, or cleaned in an ultrasonic bath. The adapter storage rack holds all six adapters in shielded compartments, protecting them from contamination and radiation damage when not in use. The rack mounts inside the hot cell near the dose calibrator for convenient access.

For nuclear medicine departments, the primary benefit of the universal adapters is measurement accuracy across all container types. A syringe measured without a syringe-specific adapter can produce errors of 20% or more because the radioactive solution is concentrated at the tip while the calibrator's sensitivity is optimized for the center of the chamber. The syringe adapter eliminates this error, delivering ±5% accuracy for syringes — the same accuracy as for vials. The adapters also save time by eliminating the need to transfer samples to standard containers before measurement. For example, a dose received in a 5 mL syringe can be measured directly in the syringe adapter, rather than transferred to a 10 mL vial (which introduces exposure risk and potential contamination). The adapters also reduce material waste because doses no longer need to be transferred to other containers for measurement. For departments that handle a variety of container types, the Universal Adapters Dose Calibrator provides the versatility to measure everything accurately with a single instrument.