Health Technology Update Issue 11

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Scanning the Horizon

Informing Decision-Makers About Emerging Medical Technologies, Policies, Practices, and Research

Welcome to the eleventh issue of Health Technology Update. This second newsletter of 2009 brings you information on a variety of medical technologies.

The issue’s feature article addresses the current global crisis in isotope production in medical imaging. New and emerging technologies and practices are currently being identified that may play a role in providing alternative solutions to molybdenum-99, the medical isotope that is currently in short supply.  The solutions explored are those that could be adopted within a 5 to 10 year time frame. We also bring you an update on the expanding distribution of positron emission tomography or PET scanners in Canada; PET imaging is one of several alternatives to isotope use.

Additionally, this issue provides a cross-section of emerging genetic tests, and we look at a group that supports the development and implementation of an evidence-based process for evaluating genomic applications.