FDA reports shortage of GE contrast media for CT imaging

The Food and Drug Administration is reporting shortages of GE Healthcare’s iohexol and iodixanol intraveneous contrast media products for computed tomography imaging.  

In an April 19 letter to customers, GE Healthcare said it was rationing orders for its iohexol products after a COVID-19 lockdown temporarily shut down its production facility for iodinated contrast media in Shanghai, China. 

Nancy Foster, AHA’s vice president for quality and patient safety policy, said, “We are aware of this global shortage of IV contrast fluid due to production shutdowns in China and have raised this issue with the Administration. While we have been told to expect normal production to resume late next month, hospitals are exploring various conservation strategies including the use of other imaging technologies, using other contrast agents, rationing contrast and ensuring every available drop of contrast dye is used efficiently, and postponing some scans that can be postponed, to give a few examples, in order to continue to provide needed care. The AHA will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates to the hospital and health system field.”