Effective immediately, the worldwide shortage of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) will impact Great Lakes Cardiovascular's ability to perform all outpatient nuclear studies.

There is currently a worldwide shortage of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99), a radioactive isotope used in nuclear medicine for diagnostic imaging and therapy. Due to a nuclear reactor shutdown, the material used for nuclear medicine exams will be in extremely limited supply for at least four weeks.

Important note: This is a worldwide shortage that is affecting all hospitals and outpatient centers within Western New York.This most directly impacts the nuclear imaging services at our Orchard Park location (5959 Big Tree Road, Suite 102) and our Williamsville location (705 Maple Road). 

As we will not have supply, we plan to cancel or postpone nuclear medicine testing for the near future.

Great Lakes Cardiovascular is already in the process of reaching out to currently scheduled patients to discuss options. We’re also encouraging the use of cardiac CTA and stress echocardiogram when possible and clinically appropriate.

Providers should be aware that any new orders for nuclear testing will be prioritized for when nuclear material becomes available.

We will be sure to share updates as we learn more about the situation, availability of product, and duration of shutdown. 

Regards, 

The Great Lakes Cardiovascular Team