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