COVID-19 Lockdown Disrupts Contrast Media Supply Chain
Hospitals and health systems across the United States are preparing mitigation strategies in response to an alert by the manufacturer of a supply shortage of a diagnostic agent, GE Omnipaque contrast media. This contrast media is most commonly utilized for CT scans and cardiac catheterizations.
The shortage occurred after a shutdown of Omnipaque production during a COVID-19 lockdown in Shanghai, China. Production is back up to 80% currently, and the shortage is projected to be resolved by the end of June. The American Society of Health System Pharmacists and the American College of Radiologists have provided resources for mitigating this shortage. Mitigation strategies can be found on the following webpages:
WHA has been in contact with Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) leadership to alert DHS to the situation. WHA has also reached out to the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, as it may be necessary for payers to support mitigation strategies if other imaging study modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound or nuclear studies need to be utilized.
WHA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updated information and resources as they become available. Contact WHA Senior Vice President of Workforce and Clinical Practice
Ann Zenk with questions, feedback or considerations related to this shortage.