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Medical Imaging Crisis Averted but Future Shortages Loom After Petten Reactor Shutdown Episode

Medical Imaging Crisis Averted but Future Shortages Loom After Petten Reactor Shutdown

· 01:54

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An offline nuclear reactor in Petten, Netherlands, disrupted the supply of medical radioisotopes, leading to the cancellation of thousands of hospital appointments across Europe. The reactor, operated by NRG, is a significant producer of molybdenum-99, essential for creating technetium-99m, a compound used in various medical imaging procedures. An inspection revealed a deformity in the reactor's cooling pipe, prompting an immediate shutdown. This shortage occurred simultaneously with maintenance on another reactor, leaving healthcare facilities scrambling to prioritize urgent cases. While the Petten reactor is expected to resume operations shortly, experts warn that future shortages are likely due to the limited number of molybdenum-99 producers.

Key Points:

  • A bulge in a cooling pipe at the Petten reactor forced a shutdown, disrupting molybdenum-99 production.
  • Molybdenum-99 is crucial for producing technetium-99m, used in medical imaging.
  • Thousands of hospital appointments were canceled, particularly affecting cancer patients in need of scans.
  • Supply chain issues were exacerbated by concurrent maintenance of another key reactor.
  • The reactor's temporary shutdown highlighted risks due to the limited number of producers worldwide.
  • New production facilities, such as the PALLAS reactor and the Chrysalis facility in the US, are being developed to increase supply.
  • Experts emphasize the growing demand for medical radioisotopes due to aging populations and rising cancer rates, stressing the need for future supply security.
    Link to Article

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