Be prepared: IV contrast media shortage could last up to 8 weeks
Read the Updated story: Preserving contrast media supplies: 7 ACR recommendations
A nationwide shortage of intravenous iodinated contrast media used for various CT scans is expected to last for weeks due to a disruption in the supply chain.
All formulations and concentrations of GE Healthcare’s Omnipaque (iohexol) are expected to be in short supply until mid-June. The shortage occurs after a spike in COVID cases led to a lockdown starting on March 31 in Shanghai, China, where the contrast material is manufactured. Although the facility has reopened and production has since resumed, GE has indicated that the delay will result in an 80% reduction in supply availability for 6 to 8 weeks.
On May 5, a spokesperson for the American Hospital Association confirmed that the supply delay is nationwide and that hospitals have been reporting shortages for around a week.
“Hospitals are exploring various conservation strategies, including the use of other imaging technologies, using other contrast agents, rationing contrast—to give a few examples—to try to continue to provide care,” said Colin Milligan, Director of Media Relations for AHA.
The shortage has caused facilities across the country to postpone a bulk of CT scans that require the use of contrast to prioritize those patients who need it most urgently, such as those who have sustained trauma or in patients with suspected clots, strokes, etc. The Greater New York Hospital Association released a statement urging providers to adhere to conservation strategies, including the following recommendations:
- Evaluating imaging schedules to verify whether noncontrast exams or other modalities can be utilized effectively.
- Discussing protocols with leadership and all departments responsible for ordering and carrying out imaging procedures to ensure that conservation efforts are widespread.
- Examining protocols to determine if injection amounts can be reduced.
Health Imaging will share updates on the situation as they become available.
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VIDEO: Imaging contrast shortage is delaying procedures and causing rationing — Interview with Alan H. Matsumoto, MD
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Gadolinium can be used as substitute for iodine contrast in some interventional imaging procedures
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She began covering the medical imaging industry for Innovate Healthcare in 2021.