ACS Supports Radiology’s Recommendations on Addressing Shortage of Contrast Media

The ACS is monitoring the recent shortage of intravenous contrast media reported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is encouraging collaboration with the American College of Radiology (ACR) to develop solutions to the problem.

The FDA has tied the shortage to production slowdowns in Shanghai, China. ACS leadership recognizes that this situation will affect surgeons’ efforts to provide optimal care to their patients, as the contrast media products used in radiological testing are often an essential part of care delivered in hospitals around the world.

Because surgeons rely on the diagnostic information provided by contrast-enhanced radiologic studies to provide the most appropriate quality care to patients, the ACS supports ACR’s efforts to disseminate recommendations for managing such situations. The ACS recommends surgeons consult the risk mitigation strategies that the ACR Committee on Drugs and Contrast Media has proposed as they collaborate with their radiology colleagues to continue providing the highest patient quality care:

https://www.acr.org/Advocacy-and-Economics/ACR-Position-Statements/Contrast-Media-Shortage

Why is there a shortage, and when is it expected to abate?

COVID-19 lockdowns in Shanghai closed a GE Healthcare factory that is a primary provider of an iodine solution that is a key ingredient used in medical imaging. Media reports suggest that production at the GE facility is expected to normalize by the end of June 2022.