The following can be attributed to a spokesperson for the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO):
“Last weekend, Australia received 66 Technetium-99m (Tc-99m) generators from Lantheus Medical Imaging Inc. (LMI) in the United States.
“They were distributed on Monday to 24 hospitals in metropolitan areas, 12 regional and rural medical facilities and 5 Global Medical Solutions Australia (GMS) sites across Australia.
“This equates to just over 39 per cent of normal weekly supply, and was to be followed by another 60 generators that were scheduled to arrive the following day.
“The plane delivering this second wave of generators has been held up in the United States due to mechanical issues, and is now expected to arrive tomorrow morning.
“If there are no further delays, this means the generators will be delivered to medical facilities on Friday.
“ANSTO appreciates the airline delay will make things challenging for our customers in Australia and the region, and is seeking to keep all parties up to date on the progress.
“ANSTO has been in frequent contact with our supplier in the US, the airline carrier and the Federal Government, and thanks all parties for their ongoing support while we work to restore the normal supply.
“As per the protocols established by the nuclear medicine industry, generator supplies are being delivered according to need, as advised by clinicians and hospitals.
“In addition, a third batch of generators was produced in the US yesterday, and is scheduled for delivery to customers in Australia early next week.”
With respect to the mechanical issue with the transfer conveyer:
“Engineers are continuing to work to rectify the mechanical fault that was identified with apiece of equipment called a transfer conveyer on Friday 22 June.
“This mechanical fault has not affected other nuclear medicine products from ANSTO, and has no impact on the operation of the OPAL nuclear reactor.
“ANSTO’s normal production of generators remains temporarily suspended, and while this will be restored as soon as possible, it is expected to take some weeks.”
Media contact: Phil McCall 0438 619 987
Published: 04/07/2018