Technetium shortage affecting bone scans - anyone got a scan this week

[BeckyD]

My horse has been waiting over a week for the technetium to enable him to have a bone scan, and it still isn't predicted until next week.

Just wondered whether anyone else is waiting or whether you've managed to get bone scans done in the last 7/8 days or so? Should I be trying to get a referral elsewhere?

 

[Bounty]

As you know I have one booked for next week, which is at Three Counties Equine, which is nr Tewkesbury in Glos. Bushy Equine also have a scintigraphy scanner, they are nr Dursley in Glos. So I guess between 2.5-3 hours from you?

Could be worth ringing the practice he's at and trying to narrow the delivery time down, and then perhaps ringing around the other scintigraphy centres to find out whether they have the technetium available and what the wait list is?

 

[coedcae]

My work is closely connected to the NHS and we were warned about a shortage of technetium in October. Apparently, technetium is a by product of the nuclear energy industry and principally is supplied from power stations in Holland. In October, they had a national shut down for maintenance and this has led to a shortage in Technetium.
Having said that I have not heard of any patients having their operations cancelled due to the shortage, so it could be that people are being given priority over animals

 

[siant2]

yes indeed people are being prioritised over animals

I had the same problem a few weeks ago, I would recommend saying to the vet practise you can make the scan at any time any date so when they have got hold of the technetium they will remember your flexible and needy!!! and also trying to get them to make regular contact with the supplier.... so that if there is a patient cancellation you can have the techetium..... thats what happened in my case

 

[BeckyD]

Hi Bounty - thanks for the reply. I was worried that we may not be getting it just where I am but I do think after all it is affecting everyone. Apparently next week should/might be ok. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed for both you and me!

 

[BeckyD]

Hmmm I was told that the dose intended for Ronnie has gone to humans instead - the cheek

Hopefully the stock will replenish soon. I'm going spare not knowing.