Hospitals across the nation, including at UMMS, are experiencing a critical shortage of IV contrast agents. IV contrast is used for a multitude of medical procedures, including certain CT scans, vascular studies, trauma procedures and percutaneous coronary intervention procedures (PCI) to treat heart attack victims. Experts expect the shortage to last at least until the end of June.

As a result, there is an urgent need to reduce the utilization of iodinated contrast so we can maintain a sufficient supply and utilize these contrast agents most effectively. UMMS has developed contrast conservation recommendations, which involve working to conserve our contrast supply while remaining within the standard of care and best practices. 

This site is the place to go for the latest information and updates on this shortage and our conservation and mitigation strategies. Please see the links below for more information:

• IV Contrast Shortage Update Communication – 5/20/22
• UMMS IV Contrast Mitigation Strategy
• Vizient IV Contrast Mitigation Strategy
• CDC: Protect Patients Against Preventable Harm from Improper Use of Single-dose/Single-use Vials
• Statement from the American College of Radiology Committee on Drugs and Contrast Media
• Considerations for Imaging Contrast Shortage and Management and Conservation, from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists