If your practice involves nuclear medicine exams, please make sure you’ve read the URGENT Common Ground emailed on Nov. 2. There is a global shortage of technetium (the main isotope used in these exams), due to shutdowns by producers in the Netherlands, Australia and South Africa. It’s expected to last through Nov. 19. We never know when or if we’ll get a delivery until the “day of”; the urgent email explains what’s affected, how we’re adapting and who to call. Please consider ordering alternate exams for inpatients or ED patients.
If you have questions about the ability to perform a nuclear medicine exam, please contact the nuclear medicine department at 503-814-1343. For after hours (1900 on weekdays and 1630 on weekends), please contact the X-ray department at 503-814-1234 so they can contact the appropriate nuclear medicine personnel.