How low can we go? Strategies and recommendations to combat the iodinated contrast shortage

After GE Healthcare, one of the major producers of iodinated contrast dye, was forced to close their Shanghai factory due to a recent COVID-19 outbreak, iodinated contrast media shortages have rocked healthcare systems to their core. Clinicians nationwide are now caught between the desire to provide patients with optimal care and the need to conserve the minimal remaining supplies of iodinated contrast media. While GE Healthcare has reopened their factory and other sources of contrast agents have become available, experts report that levels may not return to normal through June 2022. Thankfully and ironically, radiology departments are all too familiar with COVID-19 associated operational disruptions and have been quick to adapt and implement novel protocols to evade this and other crises. Overall, this shortage emphasizes the importance of interprofessional communication, adaptation, and preparation for future emergent situations as this is not the first iodinated contrast material shortage and it likely would not be the last.