HAMPTON ROADS — Riverside Health System and Sentara Healthcare are both monitoring the global IV contrast shortage.
According to a joint statement from both community healthcare systems, “Riverside Health System and Sentara Healthcare, along with many U.S. and global health systems, are affected by the worldwide shortage of injectable contrast solutions.”
The IV contrast solution is used in certain medical imaging tests such as specific types of CT scans. It is also used in various medical procedures that involve the heart and blood vessels.
According to the joint statement, “Due to the worsening COVID-19 crisis in China and recent lockdowns, one of the world’s top contrast production and manufacturing facilities in Shangai was forced to temporarily shut down. While the facilities have reopened, GE Healthcare, one of the major suppliers of contrast media, informed customers that the impact of the shortage is expected to last for the next few months.”
Both health systems have said that they are monitoring and managing their supply and continue to schedule appointments.
According to the joint statement, “There will be no impact on life-saving health services for our community members. We are working closely with our vendors and are optimistic that our supplies will return to normal soon.”
Both health systems will contact patients directly if there is an impact on any scheduled imaging appointments.
