A Health System's Response to the Ongoing Global Shortage of Iodinated Contrast Media.
AJR Am J Roentgenol
; 219(6): 974-979, 2022 Dec.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1902849
ABSTRACT
A production facility shutdown related to containment measures during the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a global shortage of iodinated contrast media. This article describes the strategies implemented at one large U.S. health system to maintain care continuity during the ongoing shortage. The strategies have included attempts to procure additional stock, repackage existing stock for use in larger numbers of patients, use noncontrast CT or alternative imaging modalities in place of contrast-enhanced CT, and collaborate with specialties outside of radiology to participate in conservation efforts. In addition, individual CT protocols underwent tailored modifications to use dual-energy technique and/or lower tube voltages, to allow lower contrast media doses with maintained visualization of tissue enhancement. The experiences during this period provide insights to facilitate long-term reductions in contrast media doses and ongoing CT protocol optimization after supplies return to normal levels. Critical throughout the efforts to mitigate the impact of the shortage have been system-level action, operational flexibility, and close communication by the health system's radiologists, technologists, physicists, pharmacists, and ordering providers.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Contrast Media
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Cohort study
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
AJR Am J Roentgenol
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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