Dear AuntMinnie Member,
In what could be a sign of the times, the growth in the number of PET and PET/CT procedures performed in the U.S. in 2008 slowed to a single-digit rate, compared to a double-digit annual growth rate in previous years.
That's according to a new survey released this week by market research firm IMV Medical Information Division of Des Plaines, IL, that we're highlighting in our Molecular Imaging Digital Community. The survey found that PET procedure volume grew only 4% in 2008 over 2007, compared to a double-digit growth rate in previous years.
What's causing the deceleration? Is it the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005? Or other factors? Find out for yourself by clicking here.
While you're there, also check out an article on a new effort to create a U.S.-based source for molybdenum-99, the precursor radioisotope to technetium-99m, which is widely used in nuclear cardiology. You'll find the story by clicking here, or go to molecular.auntminnie.com.
In other molybdenum-99 developments, short-term supply of the radioisotope may be affected following a temporary shutdown Sunday of the Atomic Energy of Canada's Chalk River nuclear reactor in Ontario. While production is expected to resume this afternoon, a representative of isotope firm MDS Nordion said a shortage of approximately 50% is possible this week. For more information, click here.
Breast imaging excellence
In other news, we're featuring a new story this week in our Women's Imaging Digital Community on quality improvement at breast imaging centers. The story details how several prominent mammography facilities have set up programs to track their performance and improve it in areas where they're deficient.
Many centers have found that achieving excellence is not only good for patients -- it also helps them retain a competitive edge in their market. The story includes links to Web sites for data on practice benchmarking and other guidelines.
If you don't have an internal quality improvement program set up yet, this article will help you get started. And if you do have a program in place, the story can help you make sure you're not missing anything.
Click here to get started, or visit the Women's Imaging Digital Community at women.auntminnie.com.
