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Tracer Shortage Curbs Saskatchewan’s Only PET/CT Service After December Disruption

A radioactive tracer shortage forced cancellations that leave scans at roughly half capacity.

Overview

  • The Saskatchewan Health Authority says the Saskatoon PET/CT scanner was down for two days in late December and remains below full throughput.
  • The disruption was caused by unexpected production problems affecting the fludeoxyglucose tracer, not a mechanical failure of the scanner.
  • Fifty-one appointments scheduled for Dec. 23–24 were cancelled, according to the health authority.
  • A temporary tracer supply from Ontario enabled scans to resume on Dec. 29 at about half the usual volume, with urgent cases prioritized and others rescheduled.
  • Opposition officials cite earlier interruptions in 2017–2018 and press for contingency plans as the province points to a previously announced Regina diagnostic lab that would include a PET/CT.