Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, ANSTO: On average, every Australian can expect at some stage in their life to have a nuclear medicine procedure that uses a radioisotope for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Nuclear medicine uses small amounts of radiation to provide information about a person's body and the functioning of specific organs. The radioisotopes made in cyclotrons complement those made in a reactor. Atoms with extra neutrons in the nucleus are called neutron-rich and are produced in a nuclear reactor. Atoms with extra protons in the nucleus are called neutron-deficient and are produced in a particle accelerator such as a cyclotron. Both types of radioisotopes are needed to service all of Australia's nuclear medical needs.
