A prominent patients' rights group is considering a class-action lawsuit over the medical isotope crisis.
Paul Brunet of the Patients' Rights Committee says his group will decide whether the Canadian government bears responsibility for the problems at the nuclear facility that produces the imaging materials.
The Chalk River facility near Ottawa will be closed indefinitely because of a heavy water leak.
The reactor produces at least one-third of the world's medical isotopes, which are used in cancer and heart scans.
The crisis has caused a worldwide isotope shortage that has led some hospitals to postpone cancer tests for non-urgent cases.
Speaking to patients
Brunet says his group is taking statements on its website to determine whether patients are suffering as a result of the shortage.
Also at issue is Prime Minister Stephen Harper's decision to stop production at Chalk River.
Brunet says his group will examine whether Ottawa should even have the power to stop the production of such an essential material.
