The USNRC Radiation Source Regulatory Partnership (RSRP) delivered an on-site training workshop on licensing and inspection of Cyclotron Positron Emission Tomography (PET) practices for Senegal's Authority for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (ARSN) and medical staff from local hospitals.
Presentations and group discussions from June 24-28, 2024, focused on the possession and safe use of 7.5 to 18 MeV cyclotrons used to manufacture PET radiopharmaceutical materials, which can identify signs of cancer, heart disease and brain disorders. The workshop consisted of a full week of formal in-class presentations on using cyclotrons and the PET radiopharmaceutical production process, which helped ARSN to prepare for future license applications. ARSN anticipates receiving an application for a facility that would be used to manufacture radiopharmaceuticals for a PET imaging facility located at a hospital in Dakar, but is not expected to provide commercial distribution of PET radiopharmaceuticals.
Fourteen (14) regulatory staff ARSN and medical staff from local hospitals attended the seminar.