hardrockhealth 3 years ago

hard rock health
University of Alabama at Birmingham officials have activated a plan to ration a key medical supply used in imaging and heart treatments in response to a global shortage caused by COVID-19 shutdowns in Shanghai, China. UAB Hospital officials announced they would “aggressively ration supplies of IV contrast,” which is used to detect blood flow in heart catheterizations and during some enhanced X-rays, MRIs and CT scans. The shortage is expected to last until at least June 30, according to a press release. Some elective procedures will have to be postponed to conserve supplies for the most critically ill patients, said Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine Dean Dr. Selwyn Vickers. “This global shortage will cause disruptions for patients worldwide; that is unavoidable given the lack of suppliers outside of China,” Vickers said in a press release. “Our focus will be to make every effort to have IV contrast in life-or-death matters. We have asked all radiology and procedural areas that utilize IV contrast to prioritize only essential urgent and emergent imaging/procedures and adopt mitigation strategies to reduce utilization until further notice.” Vickers said the health system is seeking other sources of IV contrast outside of Shanghai. Patients who will be affected will be notified. Hospitals across the country have announced similar plans as the nation’s health system prepares to grapple with the IV contrast shortage. The special dye is visible on imaging devices and can help doctors see how blood is flowing for patients who need cardiac care. hard rock health https://hardrockhealth.com/