VIDEO: Mitigating the contrast media shortage impact on CT imaging

His center has not yet had to defer procedures or imaging, but they are in a contrast conservation mode to use less contrast and use alternative imaging modalities when possible, such as MRI, nuclear imaging or ultrasound. Another conservation strategy has been to eliminate any contrast being used in clinical studies where the CT imaging is not critical to patient care. He said the Mass General contingency plan calls for rationing if the level of contrast becomes more critical. 

Mass General has pooled all its contrast into a central location and its allocation is set by a meeting of all the stakeholders in the hospital. This includes not only radiologists, but interventional radiology, interventional cardiology, vascular surgery and other users of contrast to guide procedures. 

Related contrast shortage content:

Contrast shortage update: GE expects supply to 'progressively recover' soon

ACR working with FDA and HHS to help address imaging contrast shortage

VIDEO: Imaging contrast shortage is delaying procedures and causing rationing — Interview with Alan Matsumoto, MD

Preserving contrast media supplies: 7 ACR recommendations

VIDEO: How the iodine contrast shortage is impacting interventional cath labs — Interview with Kirk Garratt, MD

Be prepared: IV contrast media shortage could last up to 8 weeks

Frontline perspectives on the CT contrast shortage: 5 notable quotes

Gadolinium can be used as substitute for iodine contrast in some interventional imaging procedures

VIDEO: Gadolinium being substituted for iodine contrast in some procedures due to shortage — Interview with Alan Matsumoto, MD

VIDEO: American College of Radiology working with FDA to mitigate contrast shortage — Interview with Alan Matsumoto, MD

Dave Fornell is a digital editor with Cardiovascular Business and Radiology Business magazines. He has been covering healthcare for more than 16 years.

Dave Fornell has covered healthcare for more than 17 years, with a focus in cardiology and radiology. Fornell is a 5-time winner of a Jesse H. Neal Award, the most prestigious editorial honors in the field of specialized journalism. The wins included best technical content, best use of social media and best COVID-19 coverage. Fornell was also a three-time Neal finalist for best range of work by a single author. He produces more than 100 editorial videos each year, most of them interviews with key opinion leaders in medicine. He also writes technical articles, covers key trends, conducts video hospital site visits, and is very involved with social media. E-mail: dfornell@innovatehealthcare.com

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