Island patients needing nuclear medicine scans are being re-booked due to a temporary global supply issue. The Ontario nuclear reactor that produces radioisotopes for nuclear medicine tests was recently shutdown for scheduled repairs and has been closed down longer than anticipated.
The reactor supplies the majority of the world demand for medical radioisotopes. Isotopes are injected into patients during nuclear medicine procedures to produce detailed scans of the body, including the skeletal system, heart, thyroid and liver. The supply shortage could possibly affect some Operating Room procedures if it is a prolonged situation.
Dr. Colin Foley, medical director of diagnostic imaging reassures that there are very few emergency situations in nuclear medicine where the patient cannot be managed with alternative clinical or diagnostic imaging studies.
Radioisotopes are supplied on an ongoing basis due to their short shelf life and there is a limited supply on the Island this week.
“Of the total number of patients scheduled for nuclear medicine testing over the next two week period, 17 patients from this week’s schedule and 18 patients from next week will be re-booked pending availability. By the middle of next week, we will know whether the radioisotopes will be available and we will inform the public of any change in the situation,” said Jamie MacDonald, director of diagnostic imaging.
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For more information contact:
Maureen Flanagan-LeClair
620-3780