The report, a review of the supply of molybdenum-99, the impact of recent shortages and the implications for nuclear medicine services in the UK sets out the NHS and Department of Health response to eight recommendations. It drew on the expertise of the NHS, professional bodies and suppliers of imaging equipment and software currently in use in the UK.
The response has been prepared by a specially convened sub-group of the National Imaging Clinical Advisory Group (NICAG) to provide advice for commissioners and providers as well as inform the NHS of the actions the Department of Health is undertaking to mitigate impact due to any future shortages in supply of radioisotopes.
The Department of Health asked the scientific advisory committee on nuclear medicine - the Administration of Radioactive Substances Advisory Committee (ARSAC) - to produce a report for the Department on the future requirements for Technetium-99m to inform discussions on longer term radioisotope supply options.