While many aspects of the current global shortage of iodinated contrast media are outside the immediate control of the U.S. government, American College of Radiology®(ACR®) Government Relations staff has been engaging federal partners in an effort to improve product availability and hasten resolution of the shortage.
Following ACR outreach, the Division of Critical Infrastructure Protection within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response convened a forum with its private sector partners to discuss the ongoing shortage of contrast material. Matthew Davenport, MD, FACR, Vice Chair of the ACR Quality and Safety Commission, presented to the group, highlighting the profound impact the contrast shortage is having for practices and patients, and provided information about conservation measures described in the statement of the ACR Contrast Media Committee.
Separately, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledged the seriousness of the shortage with respect to patient needs and radiology practice logistics, and the leading role the ACR is having in informing radiology leaders about steps to conserve available product. The FDA, which has worked for weeks to address the shortage, is amplifying the conservation messages in ACR’s statement. The FDA is looking at all of its options to improve product availability.
Additionally, in response to member inquiries, the ACR has conveyed to General Electric Co. (GE) the need for up-to-date information about supply volumes, anticipated timeframes for returning to normal and other information so members are equipped to plan their way through the shortage.
Providers impacted by the shortage are encouraged to reach out to the local GE diagnostic pharmaceutical representative who will have the most current information on the topic. Members can reach out to ACR Government Relations staff if they still have unanswered questions after talking with their local GE representatives.
Please access the Contrast Media Shortage Resources page for additional information and resources about the contrast shortage issue. For any further questions, please contact Gloria Romanelli, JD, ACR Senior Director, Legislative and Regulatory Relations.