molybdenum-99 + technetium-99m

Molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) is a radiopharmaceutical precursor produced primarily through the neutron-induced fission of uranium-235 targets. It serves as the parent isotope in the Mo-99/Technetium-99m (Tc-99m) generator system, decaying with a half-life of approximately 66 hours into the metastable nuclear isomer Tc-99m. Tc-99m is the most widely utilized diagnostic radioisotope in nuclear medicine, accounting for roughly 80% of all diagnostic imaging procedures globally. It emits 140 keV gamma radiation with a 6-hour half-life, which is ideal for detection by gamma cameras and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) while minimizing patient radiation dose. AECL (Atomic Energy of Canada Limited) was historically a dominant global supplier of Mo-99, produced at the National Research Universal (NRU) reactor in Chalk River, Ontario. However, AECL ceased routine Mo-99 production in 2016 following the planned retirement of the NRU reactor's isotope production capabilities.

Other names

Molybdenum-99/Technetium-99m generatorTechnetium-99m generatorTechnetium99m generatorTechnetium 99m generatorMoly generatorRadioisotope generator