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Queensland Health has announced that it will reschedule some non-urgent elective procedures due to a critical worldwide shortage of contrast solutions required for a range of medical imaging.

鈥淭he iodinated solutions are used in computerised tomography (CT) scans and other imaging such as angiography, which supports diagnosis and ongoing treatment for a range of conditions, including narrowed or blocked arteries,鈥� said Queensland Health in a statement.

鈥淭he disruption is due to supply chain issues related to COVID-19 lockdowns in Shanghai, where the supplier鈥檚 production facility is situated.

Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Services Executive Director Kirstine Sketcher-Baker said the supply of the products Omnipaque (iohexol) and Visipaque (iodixanol) is not expected to be resolved until the end of June.

鈥淗owever, it may take longer than this given the volatility of COVID-19 lockdowns in Shanghai,鈥� she said.

鈥淎long with the federal government, we are also investigating other sourcing options and strategies to conserve stocks and seek other alternatives until this issue is resolved.鈥�

Sketcher-Baker said the Department of Health is working with its hospitals to determine what impact the shortage is having on clinical services.

鈥淔or the time being, we will need to reschedule some non-urgent elective procedures that require medical imaging until we can replenish stocks,鈥� she said.

鈥淭his is unfortunate but unavoidable, as this product is essential for a number of procedures.

鈥淲e are hopeful of quickly resolving this issue with the supplier.鈥�

Affected patients will be contacted by their treating hospitals to reschedule their procedures.

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