Radiopharmaceuticals in Nuclear Pharmacy and Nuclear Medicine, 2nd Edition Doody's Expert Review Review Questionnaire ISBN: 9781582120317 ISBN-10: 1582120315 Copyright: 2004 Edition: 2nd Authors: Kowalsky, Richard J. , Falen, Steven W., Doody's Expert Review    Score: 97 Doody's Star Rating™ and Doody's Expert Review provide by Doody Enterprises, Inc. Reviewer: Elaine Mackowiak,  BSPharm, MS, PhD, RPh  (Temple University School of Pharmacy) Description This comprehensive text discusses the fundamentals of radioactivity, the biological effects of radiation, the regulation of radioactive materials, the instrumentation necessary for production, preparation, dispensing, and transportation of radiopharmaceuticals, and the drugs themselves based on the organ system being imaged or treated. Since the first edition of this book in 1987, there have numerous changes in the regulations governing nuclear pharmacy practice and many new tumor imaging drugs have been approved by the FDA for use. Purpose The purpose of this book is to present a complete and comprehensive review of nuclear pharmacy as a practice, update information on regulations, and emphasize the use of radiopharmaceuticals as diagnostic imaging and therapeutic drugs in current nuclear medicine practice. The text meets these objectives and both students and practitioners will appreciate the clear presentation of this information. Audience The authors and contributors to this text are well known and accomplished individuals in the field of nuclear pharmacy. They represent both practitioners and educators and have done an excellent job in producing a textbook that meets the needs of novice, experienced students, as well as experienced practitioners. Features Chapter one presents a general overview of the history and development of nuclear medicine and nuclear pharmacy. Chapters two through ten discuss the physical and chemical properties, biological effects, and the regulations and safety issues related to radioactive substances. The next two chapters discuss specific design of the pharmacy, the instrumentation that is used, and some specific tasks that are performed on a daily basis. The photographs and tables are particularly helpful. The only negative comment is that the photos of the dose calibrator and gamma well counter were of old instrumentation not found in most newer nuclear pharmacies. The remaining eleven chapters concentrate on drugs and their specific uses. Assessment This book is an excellent and needed addition in the area of nuclear pharmacy. It can be used for beginning and advanced students. It presents a clearer description of the nuclear pharmacy itself and the many tasks that are required for preparation and dispensing of radiopharmaceuticals than other books currently available. The changes in regulations by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission since 1990 warrant a new edition of this text. The addition and expansion of chapters on biological effects of radiation, safety issues, the expanded use of PET radiopharmaceuticalsm, and new tumor imaging agents also demanded a revised text. Review Questionnaire Range Question Score 1-10 Are the author's objectives met? 10 1-10 Rate the worthiness of those objectives. 10 1-5 Is this written at an appropriate level? 5 1-5 Is there significant duplication? (1=significant, 5=insignificant) 4 1-5 Are there significant omissions? (1=significant, 5=insignificant) 5 1-5 Rate the authority of the authors. 5 1-5 Are there sufficient illustrations? 5 1-5 Rate the pedagogic value of the illustrations. 5 1-5 Rate the print quality of the illustrations. 4 1-5 Are there sufficient references? 5 1-5 Rate the currency of the references. 5 1-5 Rate the pertinence of the references. 5 1-5 Rate the helpfulness of the index. 4 1-5 If important in this specialty, rate the physical appearance of the book 5 1-10 Is this a worthwhile contribution to the field? 10 1-10 If this is a 2nd or later edition, is this new edition needed? 10 ©2010 Doody Enterprises, Inc.