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.

Operation of the cyclotron is currently overseen by the Center for Probe Development and Commercialization. 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 contact the CPDC.