IV Contrast Media Shortage
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to report shortages of GE Healthcare’s Omnipaque™ (iohexol) and iodixanol intravenous contrast media products for computed tomography imaging. In an April 19, 2022, letter to customers, GE Healthcare said it was rationing orders for its iohexol products after a COVID-19 lockdown temporarily shut down its production facility for iodinated contrast media in Shanghai, China.
The Supply Chain Resource Council (SCRC) has issued a special report highlighting the expanding shortage of GE Healthcare contrast media. Included in the SCRC report are conservation tactics from the field that we are sharing to inform your strategies.
More information:
- AHA Member Advisory
- GE Medical Affairs Contact Information
- Statement from the American College of Radiology Committee on Drugs and Contrast Media
- ASHP Current Drug Shortage Bulletins - Iohexol Injection. The website contains Alternative Agents & Management information.
- ASHP Recommendation on Imaging Contrast Shortage Management
- Contrast Media Overview and Corresponding Product Availability
- FDA Drug Shortage Lists:
- Some hospitals are working with infection control to get more supply from what is normally a single use vial of contrast; using at CT scan sites. Product needs to be repackaged in a sterile pharmacy environment and not try to use a single use bag on two patients in the radiology suite. CDC guidance and USP guidance require that it be done in the sterile environment to reduce the chance of contamination.
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