Another wrinkle in today s tight security environment

I wouldn t normally think of an the International Atomic Energy Agency meeting as being of interest to medical meeting providers, but in this case, I think it s relevant.

A meeting of experts at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently [found] a growing incidence of denials or delays in international shipments of needed radioactive material, including short-lived isotopes used for medical diagnosis and treatment& Industry representatives have told the IAEA of increasing difficulties in delivering lifesaving isotopes that require urgent international transport. The precise number of denials occurring worldwide is not known, however.

"There is a risk that if more airlines do deny, particularly where few airlines serve key regions, then this does raise a serious issue. It potentially means that medical clinics and hospitals in specific areas are at risk from being denied essential medical supplies," [Michael Wangler, head of the Safety of Transport of Radioactive Materials Unit of the IAEA] said.

While of course the largest risk is to direct patient care, this also could impact training sessions that include these materials.

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