[ RadSafe ] Disruption of medical isotope supply

[Clayton J Bradt]

We just got word that MDS Nordion is having supply problems.  Does anyone
have information about what alternate sources of medical isotopes may be
available and whether they will be able to make up the shortfall?   (I
think I know the answers, but I'm hoping someone has better information
than I.)

A potion of Nordion's update to its customers is attached.


Clayton J. Bradt
Assistant Bureau Director
BERP
NYS Dept. of Health
518-402-7550

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        Ottawa, Canada, December 5, 2007 – MDS Nordion, a leading provider
        of medical isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals, has provided a
        further update to their medical isotope customers about a supply
        issue at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) that is now
        expected to extend into January 2008. AECL has advised MDS Nordion
        that a further extension of the maintenance shutdown at the
        National Research Universal reactor will be required to complete
        its upgrade of the electrical back-up system to address a
        regulatory issue.
        AECL is working closely with their regulator, the Canadian Nuclear
        Safety Commission, to finalize and complete implementation of their
        upgrade plan. Based on the most current information from AECL, we
        understand that they are now targeting a return to full production
        in early to mid-January.
        MDS Nordion is concerned with the impact that AECL’s supply
        disruption is having on customers and patients. As the global
        leader in the supply of medical isotopes, MDS Nordion is working
        closely with its back-up supply network to mitigate the impact. ...
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