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Medical Isotopes
Government of Canada's Action on our Supply

A medical isotope is a safe radioactive substance used by health professionals to assist in the diagnosis of certain health conditions of the heart, the circulatory system and organs.

These isotopes are supplied by five large reactors around the world. The majority of Canada's supply is from the National Research Universal reactor at Chalk River, Ontario, operated by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited. Other sources of supply include reactors in Europe and South Africa.  

Canada's National Research Universal reactor was temporarily shut down for repairs in May, 2009.

A secure medical isotope supply is an international issue, and Canada is working cooperatively with all isotope-producing countries toward solutions.

The Government of Canada is seeking options for the medium and long terms both to address the shortage and to ensure the situation does not happen again.

Date Modified: 2010-07-06

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