The increasing demand for non-invasive nuclear medicine procedures in Australia means that the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is now manufacturing radiopharmaceuticals for 200 medical centres across Australia and exporting them to more than ten other countries.
Revenue from radiopharmaceuticals and industrial isotopes produced by ANSTO has grown to record levels once again during the 2001/2002 financial year. The 10 per cent increase in revenue reflects growth in demand, confirming the fact that, on average, every Australian can expect, during their lifetime, to use a product made by ANSTO for the diagnosis or treatment of disease.
The large majority of these radiopharmaceuticals and industrial isotopes are still currently produced by the 43-year-old HIFAR research reactor at Lucas Heights. The Replacement Research Reactor now being constructed at Lucas Heights will ensure the growing demand for radiopharmaceuticals is met on an assured basis.
ANSTO exports radiopharmaceuticals to more than ten other countries, including New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and China. Revenue from
radiopharmaceuticals produced by ANSTO for the year to 30 June 2002 was more than $19.7 million, up more than 10 per cent on the previous year. At just under $3 million, export sales were 15 per cent ahead of the same period last year.
As well as producing radiopharmaceuticals, ANSTOs reactor produces isotopes for industrial applications such as checking the soundness of pipes, roads and aeroplane engines, as well as environmental applications, such as tracing the movement of sand.