Serious Concerns as Isotope Shortage Looms

by Barbara Kram, Editor | September 02, 2008

"Our highest priority remains the supply of these critical medical isotopes to the nuclear medicine community," said Steve West, president of MDS Nordion, headquartered in Ottawa, Canada.

The facilities that produce medically essential radioisotopes routinely close for scheduled maintenance and communicate with each other regularly to ensure that production and supply remain sufficient for needed supplies. However, unexpected disruptions during maintenance, such as what occurred at the Petten facility, when all other facilities are off-line, means that there is a distinct possibility that worldwide production of Mo-99 could completely cease for a prolonged period, with devastating results.

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"This is a serious problem requiring a quick response and in-depth solution," said Michael Graham, M.D., Ph.D., SNM President-Elect. "Now, more than ever, it is critical that the United States, along with other countries, take the lead on recommending alternatives to ensure consistent access to mission-critical isotopes, which are essential to hospitals and their ability to provide patient care."

About SNM-Advancing Molecular Imaging and Therapy
SNM is an international scientific and medical organization dedicated to raising public awareness about what molecular imaging is and how it can help provide patients with the best health care possible. SNM members specialize in molecular imaging, a vital element of today's medical practice that adds an additional dimension to diagnosis, changing the way common and devastating diseases are understood and treated.

SNM's more than 17,000 members set the standard for molecular imaging and nuclear medicine practice by creating guidelines, sharing information through journals and meetings and leading advocacy on key issues that affect molecular imaging and therapy research and practice. For more information, visit www.snm.org.

Read SNM's draft report on isotope availability at:
http://interactive.snm.org/docs/DRAFT_report_7.15.08.pdf

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