Borg and Ide Imaging has recently been made aware that there will be a worldwide shortage of the radioisotope Molybdenum 99, which is necessary in the production of Technetium 99m, the primary radioisotope used in nuclear medicine. Molybdenum 99 is produced in a nuclear reactor of which there are only 6 actively producing reactors in the world. The shutdown for a major repair of the reactor that provides most of the U.S. market, as well as mandatory maintenance shutdowns of at least 3 other reactors, is severely limiting the availability of this radioisotope.

The suppliers have notified the United States market that this shortage will fall between February 24, 1010 and until approximately April 12, 2010. The expected greatest impact will be during the last week of March through the first full week of April. Unfortunately, this shortage will impact the ability for all facilities to schedule and perform many of the routine nuclear medicine procedures. PET/CT scans are not affected by this shortage.

Borg and Ide Imaging will continue to schedule nuclear medicine studies for your patients as usual until the shortage affects our supplies. At such time, we can suggest alternate procedures for your patients’, when medically appropriate. If you are aware of impending routine testing in the continuing care of your patients’, we would suggest ordering those exams prior to the end of March.

We thank you for your support during this time. If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact the Borg and Ide Nuclear Medicine department at 585-241-6614 or any of our radiologists at 585-241-6600.