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Cyclotron & Radio Pharmacy

TMIC operates a Siemens Eclipse HP Cyclotron, complemented by advanced radiopharmaceutical synthesis equipment, including six shielded hot cells and a fully equipped quality control laboratory. 

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Advanced Radiopharmaceutical Production, All Within One Centre

At Tawam Molecular Imaging Centre (TMIC), advanced molecular imaging is supported by an integrated on-site cyclotron and radiopharmacy facility. By bringing radionuclide production, radiopharmaceutical preparation, quality control, and PET/CT imaging together within the same centre, TMIC connects the essential stages of the molecular imaging pathway in one coordinated environment. This integrated capability supports the availability and preparation of specialized radiopharmaceuticals for applications across oncology, cardiology, and neurology. It combines advanced technology, specialized infrastructure, quality-control systems, and professional expertise to support the delivery of sophisticated PET/CT imaging services. 

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From Production to Imaging, An Integrated Molecular Imaging Pathway

Radiopharmaceuticals are specially prepared medicines containing a radioactive component. During a PET examination, the radiopharmaceutical is administered to the patient and travels to tissues according to its biological properties. The PET scanner detects the signals produced by the radiopharmaceutical, generating images that provide information about metabolic and molecular activity. At TMIC, key stages of this process are brought together within one facility, from radionuclide production and radiopharmaceutical synthesis to quality control and clinical imaging. 

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What Is a Cyclotron?

A cyclotron is a specialized particle accelerator used to produce radioactive isotopes required for the preparation of certain radiopharmaceuticals. It accelerates charged particles and directs them towards specific targets, where nuclear reactions produce radionuclides that can subsequently be used to prepare radiopharmaceuticals for PET imaging. Once a radionuclide is produced, it can be transferred under controlled conditions to shielded areas known as hot cells. Specialized synthesis equipment is then used to incorporate the radionuclide into a radiopharmaceutical suitable for its intended clinical application. 

At a modern molecular imaging centre, the cyclotron is an important part of a connected ecosystem. At TMIC, it works alongside radiopharmacy, quality-control, and PET/CT capabilities to support an integrated approach to molecular imaging. 

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Why does the short half-life matter?

Many radionuclides used in PET imaging have relatively short physical half-lives, meaning they naturally lose their radioactivity over time. Their production and preparation therefore require careful coordination to ensure that radiopharmaceuticals are available when needed for clinical imaging. Producing selected radionuclides close to the point of clinical use can support their availability for scheduled PET examinations and allows the radiopharmaceutical pathway to be closely coordinated within the same facility. 

At TMIC, the on-site cyclotron and radiopharmacy provide this integrated capability within the same centre, connecting radionuclide production with radiopharmaceutical preparation, quality control, and PET/CT imaging. 

From Radionuclide Production to PET Imaging

A radiopharmaceutical consists of a radioactive component combined with a chemical or biological component designed for a specific imaging purpose. 

The production and use of radiopharmaceuticals involves several controlled stages: 

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Quality Control

Quality Built into the Imaging Pathway

Quality control is an essential stage in radiopharmaceutical production. Before a radiopharmaceutical is released for clinical use, appropriate checks are performed to confirm that it meets the required specifications. TMIC has a dedicated quality-control laboratory equipped to support the testing of radiopharmaceutical preparations. Quality-control processes may assess characteristics of the finished radiopharmaceutical including identity, purity, activity, and other applicable specifications. These processes provide an important quality checkpoint between radiopharmaceutical production and patient imaging. 

By incorporating quality control within the Centre’s radio pharmacy pathway, TMIC supports a coordinated approach to radiopharmaceutical preparation and clinical use. 

Safety and Radiation Protection

Safety at Every Stage 

Radiation safety is an integral part of cyclotron and radio pharmacy operations at TMIC. Established procedures and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) guide the handling and use of radioactive materials, radiopharmaceutical production, and radiation protection. 

The facility’s safety framework is designed to support the protection of: 

  • Patients 
  • Healthcare professionals 
  • Cyclotron and radio pharmacy personnel 
  • Visitors and the public 
  • The wider environment 

Radiopharmaceutical activities are conducted within the applicable regulatory framework, including requirements relating to radiation protection, radioactive materials, facility operations, and quality control. Patient doses are measured using appropriate dose-assay equipment before administration, with dose measurement accuracy maintained in accordance with applicable requirements. 

Regulatory and Quality Standards 

TMIC’s cyclotron and radio pharmacy operations are conducted within applicable regulatory and quality frameworks. The facility operates under a Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) license, FANR/RM/2016/040.1, and is subject to applicable oversight by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. Radiopharmaceutical production incorporates established quality systems and procedures aligned with applicable requirements. The production processes also reference the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) framework, including the requirements described in 21 CFR Part 212, as applicable to PET drug production. Relevant United States Pharmacopeia (USP) monographs are also considered within the applicable radiopharmaceutical production and quality-control framework. 

Supporting Advanced PET/CT Imaging 

The cyclotron and radio pharmacy form an integral part of TMIC’s advanced PET/CT service. By bringing radionuclide production, radiopharmaceutical synthesis, quality control, and clinical imaging together within the same Centre, TMIC supports a coordinated molecular imaging pathway. This integrated infrastructure combines specialized cyclotron technology, radiopharmaceutical production systems, quality-control capabilities, and advanced PET/CT services to support a broad range of molecular imaging applications across oncology, cardiology, and neurology. 

From radionuclide production to radiopharmaceutical preparation, quality control, and patient imaging, each stage is supported by specialized equipment, trained professionals, established procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements. 

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We look forward to welcoming you and helping you take the next step in your health journey with confidence.

Request a Callback Call: 80077 Email: info@tmic.ae