The CAMRT Perspective
The Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) has identified the potential of a global shortage of medical radioisotopes as an emerging issue of concern in the near to medium term, particularly for the international community of nuclear medicine specialists and their patients. Technetium-99m (99mTc) is used in over 80% of nuclear medicine procedures- more than 30-40 million examinations worldwide yearly. This is the “bread and butter” of nuclear medicine. Ongoing reliable supply of this critical isotope is under threat. According to a recent OECD report , “Current global irradiation and processing capacity is predicted to be insufficient over the period analysed for reliable 99Mo/99mTc supply, even with all producers operating under normal conditions…“
CAMRT is working with a number of stakeholders to define the issue more specifically and propose solutions that mitigate the impact of a diminished supply of medical isotopes , to provide decision makers with the details they need to make an informed decision.
Backgrounder: Anticipating a problem, proposing solutions Medical Radioisotope supply – François Couillard
News and Updates
Stakeholder perspectives and links
Visit the isotope supply page or the Isotope Supply Resource Centre for further information about the supply of medical radioisotopes.