Reactor shutdown delays hospital scan tests.

The article reports on a public statement on imminent shortage of molybdenum-99 used in the manufacturing of technetium- 99m generators and iodine-131 because of an extended shutdown of the National Research Universal (NRU) reactor in Chalk River, Ontario. The shutdown was expected to extend into January 2008. Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) had originally scheduled a regular maintenance shutdown for the week of November 19. It cites the practice of nuclear medicine across North America which is in serious danger.