This headline on the AP News feed caught my attention this morning:
China bans exports to US of gallium, germanium, antimony in response to chip sanctions
When you read the article, it omits any reference to gallium being used in medical diagnostics, so I have to wonder if this ban will adversely impact the ability to do 68Ga PSMA PET scans.
That question led me to a quick Google search on the production of 68Ga that yielded:
I’m no nuclear physicist or radiopharmaceutical guy but, given that process outlined above, it sounds to this layperson that PSMA PET scans could possibly be impacted.
Or I could be completely out to lunch, reading far too much into the story.
It’s definitely something to keep and eye on going forward, as I’m guessing another PSMA PET scan is in my future in January or February.
Dan's Journey through Prostate Cancer 
Yes Dan this will effect medical scans. My 86yr old husband was recently trying to get a pet ct scan and it took5-6 trips to the hospital before they could get the drug administered and I live in Houston with the largest medical center in the world. I hear Louisiana is having difficult also. I don’t see things getting better any time soon. Hoping you have better luck with your situation.
Charles Ford
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Hi Charles,
Thanks for sharing your insights. I figured that would be the case.
I’m sure the costs will skyrocket, too, which makes me wonder how Medicare and insurance companies are going to handle that. Will there be more scrutiny or denials? Time will tell.
All the best,
Dan
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