A national survey of radioisotope applications in Saudi Arabia

Radioisotopes play an important role in healthcare, industry, scientific research, and technological development. However, information on their utilization patterns, supply-chain challenges, radiation safety practices, and workforce development needs in Saudi Arabia remains limited. This study aimed to characterize radioisotope applications across major sectors, assess supply and safety-related challenges, and identify priorities for strengthening the resilience and sustainability of radioisotope use in the Kingdom.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 80 professionals involved in radioisotope-related activities across Saudi Arabia, representing the medical, industrial and energy, and educational and research sectors. The questionnaire assessed radioisotope utilization, sources of supply, availability, radiation safety practices, training, regulatory awareness, and future development priorities. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the responses, while chi-square tests were performed to examine associations between selected categorical variables.

Technetium-99m, Iodine-131, and Fluorine-18 were the most frequently reported radioisotopes in the medical sector, whereas Cesium-137, Iridium-192, and Cobalt-60 were prominent among industrial and energy applications. More than half of the respondents (55%) reported relying exclusively on imported radioisotopes, with import delays, transportation difficulties, high costs, and limited domestic production identified as major supply-chain challenges. Overall, 64.6% of respondents rated radiation safety practices at their organizations as high, while 93.8% reported awareness of applicable regulatory requirements. In addition, 71.3% supported expanding domestic radioisotope production capabilities. No statistically significant associations were identified between sector and availability satisfaction, sector and training frequency, sector and perceived safety level, supply-chain challenges and availability satisfaction, or training frequency and perceived safety level (all p > 0.05).

The findings demonstrate the broad importance of radioisotopes across Saudi Arabia while highlighting challenges associated with dependence on international supply chains. Strengthening strategically selected domestic production capabilities, diversifying supply sources, improving specialized logistics and regulatory processes, and investing in workforce development and international collaboration could enhance national radioisotope supply resilience. These measures would support the sustainable expansion of medical, industrial, and research applications while contributing to Saudi Arabia's broader objectives for technological localization and innovation under Vision 2030.