American College of Surgeons Comments on IV Contrast Media Shortages

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is monitoring the recent shortage of intravenous contrast media being reported by the Food and Drug Administration because of production slowdowns in Shanghai, China. We recognize that this shortage will impact the work of surgeons as they care for their patients. These contrast media products used in radiological testing are often an essential part of the care delivered in hospitals around the world.

Since surgeons rely on the diagnostic information provided by contrast-enhanced radiologic studies to provide the most appropriate quality care to patients, the ACS supports the efforts of the American College of Radiology (ACR), which has developed recommendations for such situations. The ACS recommends surgeons consult the risk mitigation strategies proposed by the ACR Committee on Drugs and Contrast Media as they collaborate with their radiology colleagues to continue to provide the highest quality care to our patients during this time of contrast media shortages:

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.  News media reports suggest that production at the GE facility is expected to return to normal by the end of June 2022.