Gentech®, the ingenious Australian-designed technetium-99m radiopharmaceutical generator that was developed by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), is to be promoted internationally following its acceptance as part of the Australian Technology Showcase (ATS).
The Gentech® generator is a mainstay of nuclear medicine in Australia. It will be one of a select group of products promoted as part of the ATS scheme, supported by a range of public and private sector organisations.
The generator, which was developed to simplify the safe and reliable delivery of diagnostic radioisotopes, has proved to be a big success in delivering large quantities of nuclear medicine to the furthest reaches of Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
ANSTO Radiopharmaceuticals and Industrials (ARI) is the main supplier of radiopharmaceuticals to public and private nuclear medicine centres throughout Australia. Gentech® is designed to deliver technetium, which is used in more than 70 per cent of nuclear medicine procedures worldwide. This workhorse of nuclear medicine produces images of the brain, lungs, kidneys, liver, spleen, gall bladder and skeleton and of the cardiovascular system. ARI delivers technetium to more than 200 nuclear medical facilities located around Australia and overseas.
Technitium is injected into the patient with a carrier substance chosen specifically to zero in on the part of the body to be scanned. Technetium emits gamma radiation, which is detected by special cameras. The Gentech generator was accepted to become part of the ATS scheme by the NSW Innovation Council for its potential for worldwide sales, and will now be demonstrated internationally on a range of promotional materials.
The generator has the advantages of simplified technology and being easy to transport.
Published: 28/08/2002