ACR Flags Breast Biopsy Needle Shortage, Urges Collaboration

ACR® is alerting federal officials to patient care disruptions tied to a long-term shortage of stereotactic breast biopsy needles.

In a May 11 letter to the FDA, ACR shared clinical concerns and called for community-wide collaboration and information-sharing. The College is working with government and industry representatives to support the breast imaging community and help providers plan for ongoing supply issues.

The shortage began earlier in 2026 after a major manufacturer stopped shipments to correct an issue. Limited alternatives have not fully met clinical demand, which has broadly strained the supply chain. The FDA added the shortage to its Medical Device Shortages List in mid-April and expects it to ease around the fourth quarter of 2026.

The ACR Commission on Breast Imaging led the communication effort after experts raised concerns during engagement sessions at ACR 2026, the College’s annual meeting. Those talks triggered the ACR Quick Response Team process to address supply chain issues.

For more information, contact Michael Peters, ACR Senior Director, Government Affairs.