Radioactive Pin Source Disappears During Transport In Newfield

A Ge-68 radioactive pin used for medical scanner calibration was reported missing in Newfield, New Jersey, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) confirmed last week. The incident occurred during transit on December 2, when the shipping container arrived damaged and empty.

The radioactive material, classified by the NRC as “less than Category 3,” poses minimal risk to public safety. With an activity level of 0.267 mCi, the source was used to calibrate PET/CT scanners at the Nazha Cancer Center before being sent for disposal.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) reported the incident to the NRC on December 3. Regulations mandate reporting lost radioactive materials that exceed specific thresholds, with a full investigation required within 30 days if the material is not recovered.

Speculation surrounding the missing pin has grown amid reports of drone sightings in the Newfield area. Officials have not confirmed whether the drones are related to the disappearance.

The NRC emphasized the low risk associated with the material due to its small quantity. The licensee responsible for the shipment has filed a claim with the shipping company and is working with authorities to locate the missing source.

Eckert & Ziegler specializes in providing radioactive products for healthcare and scientific research.