The global shortage of iodinated contrast media is affecting our hospital system as there have been temporary overseas manufacturing disruptions, halting all production. Main Line Health is following the Pennsylvania Department of Health recommendations and taking the steps to preserve supply to ensure that contrast is available for time-sensitive and life saving diagnoses in the coming weeks.
The shortage is expected to last at least several weeks, and possibly into July.
Hospitals and health care organizations worldwide are managing the effects of the shortage and the impact to patient care.
Main Line Health is working cross-functionally to develop pathways and guidelines to decrease contrast use and waste. The needs of our patients is our top priority. We are working individually with physicians to prioritize those patients with the most urgent needs.
We are using alternative contrast material and limiting its use to ensure adequate supply is available for emergent exams and time sensitive cases. During this time, we will be postponing some of the procedures listed below to make sure contrast is available for our emergent lifesaving procedures:
- Non-urgent Cardiac catheterization
- Kyphoplasty
- Pain procedures
- Some urological procedures that use contrast
- Some general surgery procedures that use contrast
Main Line Health will continue to look for options to minimize disruptions created by the shortage, as we continue to provide safe compassionate care to our patients and the community.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time.
Frequently asked questions
What is iodinated contrast and what is it used for?
Contrast is used to enhance the ability to see blood vessels and organs on medical images such as X-Rays or computed tomography (CT) scans.
When did the supply chain issue start? When can we expect the contrast media to be in stock?
On April 29th, 2022, GE informed Main Line Health that they were experiencing severe CT Contrast Medium shortages due to the COVID-19 restrictions in Shanghai. The temporary overseas manufacturing disruptions are halting all production. GE anticipates this shortage to last through July 2022.
How does the contrast shortage affect me?
If you have a procedure with Main Line Health that requires iodinated contrast medium, we may reschedule your exam until further notice. Our conservation strategy currently addresses the care of urgent/emergent cases that are life threatening for diagnosis and treatment.
We are also employing some studies without contrast that we would usually do with contrast, if we believe there is no significant difference in the exam.
Are you postponing my scan? If so, are there other types of exams I can get?
In order to conserve our contrast for emergent and urgent cases such as heart attacks, aneurysms and strokes, we are postponing all elective cases requiring contrast that are not life threatening. Please connect with your provider to discuss other types of exams that might be available such as MRIs or ultrasounds.
When am I going to be able to get my exam?
We are hopeful our inventory will stabilize in mid-June, so our patients can reschedule their procedures and exams. We will keep you updated as our supplies improve.
I need an exam right away. Do I have any options?
Yes, please speak with your ordering provider. They will follow the escalation path for urgent and emergent studies that we have in place.
If Main Line Health doesn't have contrast media, can I just go somewhere else for my CT?
GE is a national supplier for contrast medium and this supply chain issue is impacting all hospitals throughout the United States and local areas.
I have questions about my specific situation. Who should I talk to?
Please refer to your ordering provider about your concerns.