In the event of a radiation safety related emergency, please contact the Health Physics Department at ext. 24226, or Security at ext. 88 after working hours.
Skip to McMaster Navigation Skip to Site Navigation Skip to main content
McMaster logo

Research & Innovation

Health Physics

MUCF

McMaster University Cyclotron Facility

The McMaster University Cyclotron Facility is home to a 16.5 MeV GE PETtrace negative ion cyclotron designed for the production of short-lived positron-emitting isotopes such as Fluorine-18.

The McMaster University Cyclotron Facility is home to a 16.5 MeV GE PETtrace negative ion cyclotron designed for the production of short-lived positron-emitting isotopes such as Fluorine-18.  It is also home to a suite of hot cells and a clean room facility dedicated to the production and quality assurance of sterile, clinical-grade radiopharmaceuticals.

The Center for Probe Development and Commercialization currently oversees the operation of the cyclotron. At the present time, the cyclotron is primarily used for the production of fluorine-18 which is then incorporated into the radiopharmaceutical [F-18]-FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) using automated synthesis protocols.

[F-18]-FDG is used in the clinic for imaging various disease states by Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Cyclotron-produced F-18 is also utilized for research purposes, particularly the development of novel molecular imaging agents.

For more information, please get in touch with the CPDC.