By irradiating targets in the world-class OPAL research reactor, a diverse set of radioisotopes, primarily for nuclear medicine, are available for a variety of applications and for research.
| Radioisotope | Half life | Emission type | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chromium-51 | 27.7 days | γ | Tracing |
| Copper-64 | 12.7 hours | β+, β- | PET imaging |
| Gallium-67 | 3.26 days | (EC), γ | SPECT imaging |
| Gallium-68 | 68.3 minutes | β+ | PET imaging |
| Holmium-166 | 26.8 hours | β-, γ | Therapy |
| Indium-111 | 2.8 days | (EC), γ | SPECT imaging |
| Iodine-123 | 13.2 hours | (EC), γ | SPECT imaging |
| Iodine-124 | 4.2 days | β+ | PET imaging |
| Iodine-125 | 60 days | γ | Tracing |
| Iodine-131 | 8.02 days | β-, γ | Therapy |
| Lutetium-177 | 6.65 days | β-, γ | SPECT imaging/therapy |
| Samarium-153 | 46.3 hours | β-, γ | Therapy |
| Scandium-47 | 3.35 days | β-, γ | Therapy |
| Technetium-99m | 6.01 hours | γ | SPECT imaging |
| Terbium-161 | 6.9 days | β-, γ | Therapy |
| Yttrium-86 | 14.74 hours | β+ | PET imaging |
| Zirconium-89 | 3.3 days | β+ | PET imaging |
To complement this suite of emerging, noncommercially available OPAL-produced radioisotopes, we are working to extend this range by accessing.
- ANSTO commercial
- National partner cyclotrons
- Imports from international commercial radioisotope vendors
- Imports from collaborative international research reactors and accelerators
The availability of these radioisotopes will differ significantly depending on reactor and cyclotron scheduling and demand for non-routine custom irradiated products.
Fundamental to this capability, ANSTO provides well-equipped, licensed facilities and highly trained staff to handle SPECT-, PET- and therapeutically relevant radionuclides.
ANSTO also operates the National Research Cyclotron Facility providing fluorine-18 and carbon-11 for research.
Please confirm the availability of your selected radioisotope with your ANSTO contact before submitting your proposal.
Dr Leena Burgess
