NRC Proposes $9,000 Fine Against Puerto Rico Medical Facility for Loss of Radioactive Material
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No: I-26-001 February 10, 2026 NRC Proposes $9,000 Fine Against Puerto Rico The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has proposed a $9,000 civil penalty to Rio Piedras Sono-Nuclear Center for a violation of NRC requirements involving the loss of licensed material. In May 2025 Rio Piedras Sono-Nuclear, located in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, notified the NRC that an unused vial of lutetium-177 had been improperly disposed of. The vial holding the isotope, which is used for targeted nuclear medicine therapy for certain types of tumors and prostate cancer, was inside its lead transfer container, which was in a cardboard shipping box, when the shipping box was disposed of. No radiation overexposures are believed to have occurred. An NRC inspection from May-June 2025 reviewed the details of the loss of radioactive material. The agency identified one apparent violation of NRC requirements related to the failure to appropriately dispose of NRC-licensed materials. The NRC documented the inspection and the proposed violation in a December 2025 report. Rio Piedras Sono-Nuclear has instituted corrective actions that include additional procedures on the proper handling of shipping boxes to ensure they are empty prior to disposal. The facility has documented completing additional training for its nuclear medicine staff on these new procedures. The NRC has concluded that the company’s response to the violation is adequate and compliance with NRC requirements has been addressed. The company has 30 days to pay the proposed penalty, contest the penalty in writing, or request alternative dispute resolution with the NRC to resolve this issue. |
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