Abstract

Since it’s first use in the 1970’s, Technetium-99m has grown to become one of the most important medical radioisotopes, used in around 90% of nuclear medicine examinations. It is vital for an array of medical imaging and diagnostic techniques such as SPECT , myocardial perfusion imaging (for diagnosis of coronary artery and heart diseases), immunoscintigraphy (tracking of monoclonal antibodies to locate hard-to-find cancers) and functional brain imaging. In recent years however, demand has rapidly overtaken the dwindling supply, leading to global shortages. This short talk will explore how Technetium-99m rose to become a powerhouse in the medical industry, it’s applications, how the current shortages have occured and the new techniques being proposed to secure future supply. It may also briefly discuss the other isotopes used in the field of medical imaging, diagnostics and therapy and the implications on their supply routes as well.