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Six problems with the 6-day Curie and a solution

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Abstract

In this review the major shortfalls of the unit of sale for the Mo-99 supply chain—the 6-day Curie—are identified and discussed. These include its status as an inconsistent, out-dated, non-SI unit, and its use causing propagation of inefficient logistics within the Mo-99 supply chain. An alternative Mo-99 unit of sale is proposed: Becquerels time-stamped at the Port of Despatch. Adoption of the new unit is proposed as a catalyst in the move away from the current economically unsustainable, Mo-99 supply chain in favour of simplicity, self-regulation, transparency, efficiency, and full-cost recovery in line with High-Level Group for the Security of Supply of Medical Radioisotopes recommendations.

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Acknowledgments

All authors would like to acknowledge the support of and declare affiliation with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights NSW 2234 Australia, currently producing Mo-99 and constructing the ANSTO Nuclear Medicine (ANM) facility.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2444, Australia

    Adi Paterson, Michael Druce & Elizabeth Killen

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  1. Adi Paterson
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  2. Michael Druce
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  3. Elizabeth Killen
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Correspondence to Elizabeth Killen.

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Paterson, A., Druce, M. & Killen, E. Six problems with the 6-day Curie and a solution. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 305, 13–22 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-015-4050-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-015-4050-4

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