That's the warning from experts who claim a shortage of isotopes, used in more than 80% of routine diagnostic nuclear procedures such as heart imaging, bone scans and some cancer detection procedures, will have a serious effect across the country.
Hospitals are receiving less than 50% of expected supplies and rations are expected to drop further.
Medical isotopes are small quantities of radioactive substances used in the imaging and treatment of disease.
According to the European Association of Nuclear Medicine, hospitals are already limited to only 20–40% of normal nuclear medical activities.
The organisation warns if NHS managers aim to meet the six-week target for diagnostic waiting times by altering bookings on the basis of waiting time rather than clinical priority, some patients may receive sub-optimal treatment.
Europe's three isotope production reactors are shut down due to maintenance issues. Other reactors in Canada and South Africa have also been temporarily closed.