Selecting the Right Cyclotron for
a Hospital
A concise, vendor-neutral decision guide covering the main global manufacturers, key models, installation timelines, service & spare-parts considerations, and a clear recommendation tailored to Dubai.
Confidential: Prepared to support strategic decision-making by the CEO and leadership team.
Global Cyclotron Brands (Shortlist)
Focus on manufacturers with established PET-isotope experience, industrial reliability and long-term support.
- KEY: ~9 MeV compact, entry-level
- KIUBE: 18 MeV, high-throughput, self-shielded option
- Cyclone 30 / 30XP: 15–30 MeV, multi-particle
- Cyclone 70: 70 MeV, research/industrial scale
- MINItrace: compact, self-shielded, 11 MeV class
- PETtrace 800: 16.5 MeV p / 8.4 MeV d, dual-particle
- Large installed base, strong Middle East support
- TR-19: 12–19 MeV PET cyclotron
- TR-24: 15–24 MeV, high current
- TR-30/TR-FLEX: up to 30 MeV, theranostic-ready
- HM-12 / HM-18: compact, self-shielded options
- Strong in Asia, selective presence elsewhere
- Portfolio from ~15 to 70 MeV
- Designed for multi-isotope & SPECT/PET
- ION-12SC: compact 12 MeV superconducting cyclotron
- Targeted at on-site N-13 / small-batch PET
Focused Comparison for Dubai
Narrowing down to three main candidates for a Hospital in Dubai based on environment, demand profile and serviceability.
| Model | Key Specs | Strengths | Limitations | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IBA KIUBE 18 MeV Recommended |
18 MeV proton (H⁻) Self-shielded option High-current configuration available |
• Very high FDG throughput (up to ~300 doses / 2 h) • Self-shielding reduces civil works & footprint • Twin proton sources → high uptime • Strong IBA Store spare-parts portal |
• Fixed energy (no deuterons) • Higher CAPEX vs entry-level systems |
High-volume FDG with capability to supply multiple PET-CT scanners and prepare for future theranostic tracers. |
| GE PETtrace 800 |
16.5 MeV proton / 8.4 MeV deuteron Dual-particle, dual-beam options Requires conventional vault |
• Proven, very reliable hospital workhorse • Dual-particle flexibility (p/d) • Deep Middle East service presence • Extensive documentation (GE Service Shop) |
• Needs 2–2.5 m concrete vault → higher civil cost • Slightly longer site-build timeline vs self-shielded |
Large hospital with stable FDG demand, desire for dual-particle routes and conservative, low-risk platform. |
| IBA Cyclone KEY (9 MeV) Entry level |
~9.2 MeV proton Very compact Lower current |
• Very small footprint • Lowest installation and shielding cost • Good for small in-house FDG production |
• Limited throughput (~30 FDG doses / 2 h) • Restricted isotope menu • Can be outgrown if demand rises or distribution starts |
Clinics with low, stable FDG demand and no plans to supply other centres or expand tracer portfolio. |
Service, Spare Parts & In-House Capability
Ensuring long-term uptime in Dubai through a combination of OEM support and trained in-house engineering.
- • IBA Store: real-time stock visibility, online ordering, shipment tracking.
- • GE Service Shop: parts catalog, service docs and keys for registered customers.
- • Critical assemblies (ion sources, targets, key boards) usually in the high 5-figure USD range.
- • Consumables (foils, seals, filters) in the hundreds to low thousands USD.
- • Recommended: initial spare-parts kit configured for 12–18 months of operation.
- • Re-order thresholds aligned with typical lead times (shipping + customs to UAE).
- • In-house engineer trained to perform first-line maintenance and target servicing.
With proper OEM training, an in-house engineer becomes a central asset, dramatically reducing operating cost and downtime by:
- Performing routine preventive maintenance and first-line troubleshooting.
- Managing spare-parts stock and ordering via IBA Store / GE Service Shop.
- Aligning production, maintenance windows and regulatory documentation.
- Escalating only complex cases to OEM teams, shortening recovery times.
Illustrative Installation Timeline – Dubai
High-level sequence for a new cyclotron & PET radiopharmacy, assuming IBA KIUBE or GE PETtrace 800.
1. Concept & Vendor Selection
Clinical demand analysis, model shortlisting, budgeting & board approval.2. Regulatory Design Review
FANR design-stage submission, DHA alignment, radiation protection planning.3. Civil & Infrastructure Works
Vault or self-shielded room, power, chilled water/HVAC, radiation monitoring systems.4. Delivery & Installation
Mechanical installation, RF & vacuum tests, integration with radiochemistry lab.5. SAT, Licensing & Training
Site acceptance tests, commissioning runs, staff training, final FANR/DHA sign-offs.6. Routine Production
Stable FDG supply for PET-CT, expansion into additional tracers as demand grows.Final Recommendation for a Hospital in Dubai
Summarizing the strategic choice from a CEO and long-term investment perspective.
- • High throughput: suited for multi-scanner PET-CT and potential supply to other centres.
- • Self-shielding: reduces civil-works risk, footprint and project duration.
- • Modern automation and twin-source design → higher uptime.
- • Strong IBA ecosystem for radiopharmacy and theranostic tracer roadmap.
Alternative – GE PETtrace 800
GE PETtrace 800 remains an excellent choice where dual-particle flexibility (p/d), conservative risk profile and a very large global install base are prioritised. It is particularly attractive if the hospital prefers a conventional vault and a platform with decades of operational history.
Entry-level option: IBA Cyclone KEY (9 MeV) should only be considered if FDG volume is expected to remain modest and there is no plan to supply other centres or significantly expand the tracer portfolio.