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June 10 Update | IV Iodinated Contrast Shortage
Dear Colleagues,
Thank you for your ongoing work to conserve IV iodinated contrast as we diligently manage our limited supply of this imaging agent. While we are currently able to schedule all patients for procedures and CT scans at this time, our ability to do so is wholly dependent on our conservation efforts until this supply chain returns to normal.
- Current updates on the IV iodinated contrast shortage include:
- The supply chain, while improving, is not recovering as quickly as expected. It is NOT yet back to normal.
- Although we are optimistic that the supply chain will continue to improve, we remain in a conservation status regarding the use of IV iodinated contrast.
- It is critically important that we continue all mitigation efforts to reduce contrast waste including use of the vial adaptor for multi-use and reducing total quantity of contrast per procedure where clinically appropriate.
- Areas administering contrast should continue to report on-hand inventory daily using the inventory tracking survey.
- An Epic BPA will remain in place alerting providers to the active contrast shortage and prompting the orders to include, “Radiologist to recommend contrast.” Again, clinical information with the orders is greatly appreciated. The BPA will be modified to allow for easier ordering of future Tier 1 scans/procedures in the ambulatory environment.
- Leadership will continue to meet routinely to assess supply and clinical use to determine any potential impacts on scheduling CT scans and procedures.
- Your ongoing partnership and diligence in these mitigation efforts is greatly appreciated and ensures we are able to provide the clinical studies and care for as many patients as possible during this shortage.
Sincerely,
Reid Adams, MD, FACS
Chief Medical Officer
Alan H. Matsumoto, M.D., FACR, FSIR, FAHA
Chair, Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging