DOE and MURR Secure Gd-153 for Medical Imaging

The Department of Energy’s Office of Isotope R&D and Production (IRP), within the Office of Science, and the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) today announced the commencement of routine production of gadolinium-153 (Gd-153). This partnership positions IRP and MURR as the sole domestic supplier of Gd-153 in the United States and one of only two suppliers in the world for this radioisotope.  

This critical radioisotope is essential for calibrating diagnostic imaging machines, known as Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) scanners. 3D medical imaging of patient’s organs is necessary for diagnosing and monitoring conditions affecting the brain and bones, as well as heart conditions and seizures.