Here at Angstrom Technology, our experts have recently put the finishing touches on another exciting project: a radiopharmaceuticals cleanroom! 

Not sure what a radiopharmaceuticals cleanroom is, or what it entails? We’ll walk through the details below. 

What Are Radiopharmaceuticals?

Radiopharmaceuticals are a group of pharmaceutical drugs that contain radioactive isotopes. In most cases, they’re used as diagnostic agents that help doctors detect a variety of medical problems. After a patient is given a small amount of a radiopharmaceutical drug, it either passes through or is absorbed by the intended organ. Then, once the radioactivity is detected, special imaging equipment is used to take pictures that allow the doctor to study how the organ is functioning. 

In addition to that very cool application, radiopharmaceuticals are also gaining recognition and popularity as a viable form of therapy or treatment for certain types of cancer, among other life-threatening diseases. In those cases, the radiopharmaceutical drug is absorbed in the cancerous area and works to destroy any affected tissue. 

That said, radiopharmaceuticals (especially those used for therapeutic and treatment purposes) make up a relatively new sector within the medical and pharmaceutical industries. The number of radiopharmaceuticals in clinical use continues to grow rapidly, allowing the medical community to better understand different diseases, as well as the best treatments for them. 

Key Considerations for Radiopharmaceuticals Cleanrooms

Just like any other pharmaceutical or medical cleanroom project, radiopharmaceuticals cleanrooms require the same basic considerations to get started: 

• Budget
• Size
• Type
• ISO classification

However, they also present a unique challenge. In traditional pharmaceutical applications, the main purpose of a cleanroom is to protect drugs from any contaminants that could reduce their safety or effectiveness. While that’s still important in radiopharmaceutical applications, there’s another huge component to consider: the safety of cleanroom operators and facilities. 

Radiopharmaceutical drug production requires a highly controlled environment that’s properly equipped to store, prepare, fill, and pack radioactive materials safely. This often means implementing a number of specialized machines and technologies, including (but not limited to) access control systems, isolators, fume hoods, and hot cells. 

The bottom line is that, after everything is designed, constructed, and installed, all components should work together to ensure the safety of both the drugs being handled and the people handling them. 

Angstrom Technology’s Latest Radiopharmaceuticals Cleanroom Project

Our recent radiopharmaceuticals cleanroom project, completed in October 2021, was for an advanced radiopharmaceuticals research and development company with a focus on cancer treatment. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this cleanroom totaled 3,200 square feet and held 17 internal rooms for various operations. Below are more details on the project: 

• Cleanroom type: HardWall
• ISO classification: ISO 7 & ISO 8
• Internal ceiling height: 10’
• Additional design features and technologies: extensive door and access control system, isolators, hot cells

To view the project video and featured images, visit our Advanced Radiopharmaceuticals Cleanroom Project page. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the unique cleanroom projects we’ve completed here at Angstrom Technology, check out our Projects page. Or, if you’re ready to get started on your own cleanroom project, get in touch with our team. We’re happy to guide you through our proven design, building, and installation processes, ensuring you a final result that accommodates the needs of your facility and application.