The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has crafted a set of recommended practices for nuclear reactor operators to help avoid global medical isotope shortages.
The document covers operational management areas such as risk-informed maintenance and planning, configuration management, communication and operating experience, and corrective action management.
Nuclear reactors around the world produce medical isotopes for use in molecular and nuclear imaging procedures. The temporary closure of reactors in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Canada over the past eight months has created a worldwide shortage of medical isotopes.
The IAEA noted that two-thirds of research nuclear reactors around the world are more than 40 years old.
Related Reading
Belgium to restart medical isotope production, November 5, 2008
Dutch reactor won't restart until February 2009, October 15, 2008
Dutch reactor opening delayed another month, September 19, 2008
Dutch reactor down two more months, September 8, 2008
European group meets over isotope supply, September 4, 2008
Copyright © 2008 AuntMinnie.com
