Delivery schedule
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Holiday season order cut-off and delivery schedule 2024
31 October 2024
Our holiday season hours and supply availability are below.
Gentech ® Generators
Delivery Dates:
- Friday 20 December.
- Monday 23 December.
- Monday 30 December.
- Thursday 02 January (following public holiday 01 January).
- Normal deliveries recommence from Friday 03 January.
Please let us know of any changes to requirements over the Christmas and New Year period by Friday 15 November.
I-131 capsules and solutions
Delivery Dates:
- Monday 23 December.
- Monday 30 December.
- Tuesday 31 December.
- Thursday 02 January.
- Normal deliveries recommence from Friday 03 January.
Order cut off for deliveries from Monday 23 December to Friday 03 January: 3pm AEDT Friday 20 December.
Normal cut-off resumes Friday 03 January for deliveries from Monday 06 January.
Lu-177
- Order cut off for deliveries from 23 December: 1pm AEDT Wed 4 December.
- Order cut off for deliveries from 30 December: 1pm AEDT Wed 11 December.
- Order cut off for deliveries from 6 January: 1pm AEDT Wed 18 December.
I-123 MIBG
- Last delivery of 2024: Thursday 19 December. Orders must be placed by 5pm AEDT Thursday 12 December.
- First delivery of 2025: Thursday 09 January. Orders must be placed by 5pm AEDT Thursday 02 January.
I-123 Radiochemical
- Last delivery of 2024: Tuesday 17 December. Orders must be placed by 5pm AEDT Thursday 12 December.
- First delivery of 2025: Tuesday 07 January. Orders must be placed by 5pm AEDT Thursday 02 January.
Chromium EDTA
- January calibration available for delivery from 30 December.
Customer Service Hours:
Closed:
- Tuesday 24 December to Thursday 26 December 2024.
- Wednesday 01 January 2025.
Open:
- Monday 23 December 2024.
- Thursday 02 January 2025.
For further information contact our Customer Service Team via health@ansto.gov.au or call 1800 251 572.
OPAL reactor returns to full operations
30 September 2024
ANSTO is pleased to report that the OPAL multi-purpose reactor is back to full operations, following the planned long shutdown.
This first-of-a-kind project was the most significant maintenance and upgrade program in OPAL’s 17-year history. Replacing both the First Reactor Protection System (FRPS) and Cold Neutron Source (CNS) was a highly complex and challenging engineering program.
To learn more and see behind-the-scenes photos, please visit here.
Nuclear Medicine Supply
Up to 10 days irradiation and processing time is now required before locally produced nuclear medicine is ready for distribution. During this time, ANSTO will continue to source product from our international suppliers and logistics providers, with availability as follows:
Iodine-131 – capsules and solution: No supply constraint is anticipated.
Gentech Generators: No supply constraint is anticipated.
Lutetium-177: No supply constraint is anticipated.
Chromium 51: Supply is scheduled to resume and available for dispatch 30 October, with further updates to be provided.
During the OPAL shutdown, ANSTO delivered 94% of orders on time and in full to our customers. Thank you to our international suppliers for their assistance and support.
Next steps
We will continue to send you regular updates about nuclear medicine supply. If you have any questions, please reach out to our team at health@ansto.gov.au.
OPAL reactor return to power update
20 September 2024
Here is an update on the OPAL reactor planned long shutdown.
A key driver of this shutdown was replacing the reactor's unique Cold Neutron Source (CNS), which had reached the end of its operational life. The complex work of installing, positioning and connecting the CNS is now completed.
Return to service activities are now underway with the reassembly of components within the reactor pool.
Based on the latest information and with safety guiding every decision, we are currently on schedule for a return to power the week commencing Monday 30 September, with routine operations planned to resume that week.
Once OPAL returns to power, up to 10 days irradiation and processing time is required before nuclear medicine can be ready for distribution. During this period, product availability is as follows:
- Iodine-131 – capsules and solution: No supply constraint is anticipated.
- Gentech Generators: No supply constraint is anticipated.
- Lutetium-177: No supply constraint is anticipated.
- Chromium 51: Supply is scheduled to resume and be available for dispatch 30 October, with further updates to be provided.
Although ANSTO is currently confident of a w/c 30 September restart of the OPAL reactor, the nuclear medicine supply team has commenced further contingency planning for customer deliveries w/c 14 October 2024, in the unlikely scenario that the return to power is delayed.
To date, 92% of imported nuclear medicine products have been supplied to ANSTO in full and on time during this long shutdown period.
Next steps
We will continue to send you regular updates throughout the remainder of the OPAL shutdown program. If you have any questions, please reach out to our team at health@ansto.gov.au
Gentech Generator supply update
04 September 2024
As previously communicated, there has been a minor supply constraint for Gentech Generators due to global reactor schedule challenges.
To minimise the overall impact of this disruption, customers have received a small reduction in activity levels. All affected customers have been contacted directly.
Supply is expected to return to normal from week commencing 16 September.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our team at health@ansto.gov.au.
Important update on nuclear medicine supply
01 August 2024
Below please find an update on the supply of nuclear medicine during the OPAL shutdown.
As previously communicated, the OPAL team is expecting a return to power by end September. Once OPAL returns to power, up to 10 days irradiation and processing time is required before nuclear medicine can be ready for distribution.
Supply of nuclear medicine
ANSTO is pleased to confirm a positive outcome from our discussions with international suppliers. Expected product availability for the duration of OPAL shutdown is:
- Iodine-131: Bulk I-131 has been secured. ANSTO will continue to manufacture solutions and capsules.
- Gentech Generators: Due to global reactor schedule challenges in September which will impact Mo-99 availability, a minor supply constraint for Gentech Generators is anticipated from 6 –15 September. ANSTO will be working through the most appropriate allocation given this constraint and seeking input where required.
- Lutetium-177: It is anticipated that Lu-177 supply will continue to be secure until OPAL returns to power.
To date, 94% of imported nuclear medicine products have been supplied to ANSTO in full and on time during this extended shutdown period.
Chromium supply is scheduled to resume in November, with further updates to be provided. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Next steps
We will continue to send you regular updates throughout the remainder of the OPAL Shutdown program. If you have any questions, please reach out to our team at health@ansto.gov.au.
Important extension to OPAL shutdown schedule
19 July 2024
Following our communications last week, here is an update on the OPAL Shutdown schedule and nuclear medicine supply. Based on the latest available data, and with safety continuing to drive every decision, the OPAL team is expecting a return to power by end September. Once OPAL returns to power, up to 10 days irradiation and processing time is required before nuclear medicine can be ready for distribution.
The challenge
The highly complex operation of replacing the Cold Neutron Source (CNS) continues with our team currently working through an extremely technically difficult part of the program, which is reconnecting the CNS pipework to the reactor. While we have mobilised all available resources to solve this technical challenge as quickly as possible, the complex engineering processes are taking time to implement. Ensuring the highest safety standards remains our priority.
Supply of nuclear medicine
We have commenced discussions with our international suppliers to secure Mo-99 for Gentech Generators, Lu-177 and I-131 nuclear medicine supply through to early October, subject to these supplier's product availability and logistics. Our team continues to progress these discussions and will have more information next week.
At this stage, our initial enquiries indicate there may be some supply constraints for Gentech Generators from 2 to 8 September and 21 September to 11 October. ANSTO is working with our international suppliers to address this and will have more information to share at the end of this month.
To date, 96% of imported nuclear medicine products have been supplied to ANSTO in full and on time during this long shutdown period.
Chromium supply is scheduled to resume in November with further updates to be provided. We apologise for any inconveniences caused.
Next steps
ANSTO will continue to send you regular updates throughout the remainder of the program.
If you have any questions at this time, please reach out to our team at health@ansto.gov.au
Important adjustment to OPAL shutdown schedule
08 July 2024
ANSTO is now 17 weeks into the most significant maintenance and upgrade program in the OPAL reactor’s 17-year history. Based on the latest available data, and with safety continuing to drive every decision, the OPAL team is working toward a recommencement of operations around mid-September.
The challenge
A key driver of the planned long shutdown is the replacement of the reactor’s unique Cold Neutron Source (CNS). As the highly complex operation progresses, major milestones have been reached, however, a number of unforeseen technical challenges have resulted in a series of accumulated delays. The team is currently working through a technically difficult part of the program, which is reconnecting the CNS pipework to the reactor. ANSTO has mobilised every available resource to solve this technical challenge as quickly as possible while maintaining the highest of safety standards.
Supply of nuclear medicines
At this time, ANSTO has arrangements in place for nuclear medicine supply through to week commencing 26 August. ANSTO has commenced discussions with our international suppliers to secure nuclear medicine supply through to mid-September and will update our customers on supply arrangements once concluded.
This extension in the shutdown period will delay the resumption of Chromium supply. ANSTO is reevaluating when Chromium supply will resume, with further updates to be provided. We apologise for any inconveniences caused.
Next steps
ANSTO remains committed to informing all our nuclear medicine customers of its planned long shutdown developments. This project is evolving continuously with ANSTO staff working to safely return OPAL to power as soon as possible. We will update you further next week.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our team via health@ansto.gov.au
Important adjustment to OPAL shutdown schedule
26 June 2024
ANSTO is now 15 weeks into the most significant maintenance and upgrade program in OPAL’s 17 year history. Last month we communicated a target reactor return to power in early August. Below, please find a further update.
Shutdown schedule
In preparing for this extremely technical project, ANSTO built a full-size reactor mock-up that allowed our teams to develop, refine, train and practice the required complex processes. However, in the real-world, unique live reactor environment, we have found several novel procedures have taken longer than originally anticipated.
Based on the data ANSTO now has, and with safety continuing to drive every decision, OPAL is scheduled to return to power the week commencing 18 August 2024.
Nuclear medicine supply
To date, 96% of imported nuclear medicine products have been supplied to ANSTO in full and on time during the long shutdown period.
We continue to work closely with our international suppliers and logistics providers around the world, to ensure continuity of Mo-99/Tc-99m, Lu-177 and I-131 during the entire shutdown period, subject to these supplier's product availability and logistics.
This extension in the shutdown period will delay the resumption of Chromium supply. ANSTO is reevaluating when Chromium supply will resume, with further updates to be provided. We apologise for any inconveniences caused.
ANSTO will continue to send you regular updates as the project continues and major milestones are reached. If you have any questions, please reach out to our team via health@ansto.gov.au
ANSTO product supply update
28 May 2024
The planned maintenance at our Nuclear Medicine Processing and Distribution Facility is progressing as planned and is approaching completion. We anticipate resuming operations in early June 2024.
Here’s a reminder of the expected supply resumption dates for some of our ANSTO products:
If you have any further questions, please reach out to our team via health@ansto.gov.au
| Product | Planned supply recommencement of ANSTO product |
| Gentech Generators | Supply of Gentech Generators to begin transition commencing 03 June 2024. Full supply is planned to resume week commencing 10 June 2024. |
| I-131 therapy capsules | Large capsules available for delivery Wednesday 19 June 2024. Small capsules available for delivery from Thursday 20 June 2024. |
| I-131 solution | Solutions available for delivery from Thursday 20 June 2024. |
OPAL shutdown schedule update
17 May 2024
ANSTO’s multi-purpose reactor OPAL was shut down in March as part of an essential maintenance and upgrade program. Below, please find the latest update.
Shutdown schedule
This planned shutdown is the most significant maintenance and upgrade program in OPAL’s history. These activities include replacement of the First Reactor Protection System (FRPS) and replacement of the Cold Neutron Source (CNS).
To prepare for this first-of-a-kind program, ANSTO built a full-size reactor mock-up that allowed our teams to practice and refine the required procedures over a two-year period. However, in the real-time delivery and unique live reactor environment, we have found several of the process steps have taken longer than anticipated.
With safety driving every decision we make, based on the data we have now, the shutdown timeline has been adjusted. We are currently planning to conclude the shutdown activities in late July and return OPAL to power in early August, allowing our teams to maintain the pre-determined August reactor schedule.
Nuclear medicine supply
ANSTO has experienced minor supply disruptions to date and is pleased to report that 90.2% of nuclear medicine products are being supplied to ANSTO in full and on time.
We are in continual contact with our international suppliers and logistics providers to ensure we maintain a reliable supply of Mo-99/Tc-99m, Lu-177 and I-131 during this planned long shutdown, subject to these supplier's product availability and logistics.
This extension in the shutdown period will now delay the resumption of supply of Chromium until September 2024. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and will continue to provide regular updates to you.
Project milestones and achievements
A number of project milestones have now been achieved including the successful CNS removal from the reactor pool, one of the most important milestones of the program, and the commissioning of OPAL’s FRPS.
The planned simultaneous maintenance at our Nuclear Medicine Processing and Distribution Facility remains on schedule with the facility due to be back in operation early June 2024.
We will continue to send you regular updates. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our team via health@ansto.gov.au
I-131 Capsules
13 March 2024
ANSTO has now completed investigation into the identified appearance defect observed in a small number of Sodium (I-131) 50-6000MBq Therapy Capsules, which we advised Customers of on 5 June 2023.
Following our review, ANSTO has obtained TGA approval and implemented supplementary strengthening into the capsule gelatine casing.
From 18 March 2024, all I-131 Therapy Capsules will include the supplementary strengthening and will again be available to order in the following sizings.
• Small capsules 50-600MBq at calibration
• Large capsules 700-6000MBq at calibration
Please reach out to our team via health@ansto.gov.au if you have any further questions.
Delivery and calibration
I-123 radiochemical
Order cut-off time remains 5 pm on Wednesday the week prior to the shipment unless otherwise specified.
Available for delivery and calibration on the following dates:
- 06 November 2024 - Wednesday
- 19 November 2024
- 03 December 2024
- 17 December 2024
- 07 January 2025
- 21 January 2025
- 04 February 2025
- 18 February 2025
- 04 March 2025
- 18 March 2025
- 01 April 2025
I-123 MIBG
Order cut-off time 5 pm on Thursday the week prior to the shipment unless otherwise specified.
Deliveries will take place on the following Thursdays:
- 14 November 2024
- 28 November 2024
- 12 December 2024
- 19 December 2024
- 09 January 2025
- 16 January 2025
- 30 January 2025
- 13 February 2025
- 27 February 2025
- 13 March 2025
- 27 March 2025
- 10 April 2025
- 17 April 2025
- 01 May 2025
Get in touch
If you would like to place a product order or have any further questions please contact the Health team.