Iodinated contrast media shortage: Insights and guidance from two major public hospitals

J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol. 2022 Oct;66(7):946-956. doi: 10.1111/1754-9485.13444. Epub 2022 Jun 10.

Abstract

Global shortage of iodinated contrast medium (ICM) is the latest health care ripple-effect from the COVID-19 pandemic. Some public hospitals in Australia have less than a week's supply. Strategies are, therefore, urgently needed to conserve ICM for those diagnostic tests and interventions, which are time-critical, and without which patients would suffer death or significant morbidity. A plan is also required to continue providing best possible care to patients in the worst-case scenario of exhausted ICM supplies. This document, by representatives from two major public hospitals, will provide some guidance that is tailored to the Australian context.

Keywords: contrast dose reduction; contrast-enhanced CT; iodinated contrast media.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Australia
  • COVID-19*
  • Contrast Media
  • Drug Hypersensitivity* / diagnosis
  • Hospitals, Public
  • Humans
  • Pandemics

Substances

  • Contrast Media