Radioisotope shortage imminent after reactor restart delay: 5 things to know

A production delay at three European nuclear reactors will result in a shortage of radioisotopes crucial for the detection of disease in medical imaging.

The shortage is expected to affect radioisotopes Mo-99 and Tc-99m, according to an Oct. 14 letter from Nuclear Medicine Europe shared by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. 

Here are five things to know about the shortage:

1. The shortage began the week of Oct. 14 and is expected to continue until November.
   
   
2. Shortages may amount to 40% of the usual radioisotope requirements.
   
   
3. Shortages will vary by geographic region.
   
   
4. Stakeholders are advised to communicate with their suppliers.
   
   
5. The NMEU was not able to provide a planned day for production to restart.