New TJC FAQ addresses shortage in imaging contrast

As a critical shortage in imaging contrast continues to impact healthcare organization across the nation, The Joint Commission (TJC) has issued the following guidance: 

“The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) recently published a resource titled “Considerations for Imaging Contrast Shortage Management and Conservation” which is consistent with our current accreditation requirements. Organizations are encouraged to review this document which provides guidance in shortage management and conservation.” 

The ASHP information is also being offered as a resource from the American Hospital Association (AHA), which also issued an advisory. 

Among other things, the AHA noted that with imaging manufacturer GE Healthcare’s operations impacted by the recent COVID-19 lockdown in Shanghai, China, normal production may not resume until late June. 

“A GE official today said if a critical need exists, hospitals should reach out to their local GE representative and that allocations are being made on a case-by-case basis. For other questions on repackaging and dosing information, hospitals should contact GE’s medical affairs team,” said the AHA advisory. 

Besides the information from ASHP, the AHA also offered these resources: 

• Guidance and information from the American College of Radiology’s Committee on Drugs and Contrast Media 

• FDA drug shortage information on Iodixanol (Visipaque) Injection and Iohexol (Omnipaque) Injection