PET/CT scans in Alberta affected by breakdown of AHS cyclotron

EDMONTON | A backlog of patients awaiting PET/CT scans is growing as repairs to the Alberta Health Services (AHS) cyclotron are taking longer than expected to complete. The repairs are needed because of a mechanical breakdown on Sept. 28 and a subsequent, related malfunction on Oct. 14.The cyclotron, located in Edmonton, is the source of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), a material used in PET/CT (positron emission tomography/computed tomography) scans, which provide detailed images of cell function in the body. These scans are used for diagnosis of certain types of cancer, epilepsy and dementia, and to confirm if treatment is working.AHS says it is taking every step possible to get the cyclotron up and running again, but the work is not expected to be completed before Nov. 9 at the earliest.Fixing the machine is a lengthy procedure due to its high level of complexity and precision, and the fact that workers’ exposure to the cyclotron’s radioactive environment must be limited for their safety.Meanwhile, FDG is being sourced from other provinces, but not enough is available to meet all of the province’s requirements. PET/CT scans are being scheduled according to urgency, as determined by AHS radiologists, and approximately 70% of normal patient scan volume is being completed.The cyclotron outage only affects PET/CT imaging. Regular CT scans and all other types of scans do not require FDG.Once the cyclotron is repaired, AHS anticipates being able to clear the backlog of patients in three to four weeks by operating into the evenings and on weekends.AHS carries out PET/CT scans in Calgary at Foothills Medical Centre and in Edmonton at the University of Alberta Hospital and Cross Cancer Institute. Read more about the cyclotron repairs

PET/CT scans in Alberta affected by breakdown of AHS cyclotron

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