Mandatory Requirements for Planning and Commissioning of Medical Cyclotron Facility

Abstract

Over the last 15 years, there has been substantial growth in the installation of medical cyclotrons. This is mainly due to the increased demand for the production of positron emission tomography radiopharmaceuticals. In every country, there is a regulatory body that regulates the uses of medical cyclotron intending to protect occupational workers, the public, and the environment. It regulates the entire stages of such facilities, which mainly controls regulatory activities such as construction, commissioning, operation, and decommissioning. This article primarily highlights the key practices for planning and installation of a medical cyclotron facility (MCF). It also covers the particular aspects that should be considered in the early stages of project planning and provides information for best practices and challenges. If these aspects are properly addressed, then it ensures the safe operation of the MCF. The texts also elaborate on the necessary requirements for effective planning of the MCF, such as layout and space considerations, workload plan and maximum research capacity of the institute and equipment, shielding requirements, water cooling circuit, storage of radioactive components, management of radioactive waste from medical cyclotron and radiochemistry laboratory, construction and commissioning project management, exhaust system and filtration options, plans for staffing and training, and combination of equipment safety systems and building safety systems.