A nuclear reactor located in Swierk, near Warsaw, has become a new source for a radioactive isotope used in millions of medical procedures around the world.

The isotope, Technetium-99m, is used to diagnose breast and bone cancer, as well as measure blood flow in the heart. Without the substance, radiologists cannot use advanced medical techniques in diagnosis.

The Maria reactor, called after a famous Polish scientist Maria Sklodowska-Curie, will take over the job of two reactors, which produce two-thirds of the world’s radioactive isotope.

Both reactors, in Ontario and the Netherlands, have been shut down for repairs. The Maria reactor, one of the world’s most powerful research reactors will not fill the gap left by the two reactors completely but it will meet some of the demand for the substance.

American company Covidien and the Institute of Atomic Energy have already signed an agreement on delivery of the isotope. It is estimated that a half-year supply from the Polish reactor will enable radiologist around the world to examine over a million patients.

The US ambassador to Poland Lee Feinstein praised Polish scientists, saying that the USA largely depend on foreign suppliers of technetium-99m and Polish-American cooperation in this field is a success. (mg/jb)

Sources: PAP, NYT