A global shortage of Technetium-99m (Tc-99m), a critical radioisotope used in nuclear medicine, is expected to cause delays or cancellations of over 40,000 medical imaging studies daily in the United States. This shortage is primarily due to a structural issue at a key production reactor in the Netherlands, which may affect supply until November. Tc-99m is vital for numerous diagnostic procedures, particularly for diagnosing coronary heart disease and bone cancer. The shortage could lead to significant health impacts, including delayed diagnoses and treatments for patients, as well as increased reliance on more expensive alternative tests. The situation emphasizes the need for a more resilient supply chain for medical isotopes, with potential solutions including new production methods and increased domestic production, which have yet to be secured.
Thu, 24 Oct 2024 10:45:13 GMT | Forbes