The continued efforts of the VUMC community in addressing the global supply chain shortage of iodinated contrast agents, combined with the extraordinary persistence of supply chain and pharmacy teams, have put VUMC in a position to now be able to schedule contrasted CT scans for patients with Tier IV and V clinical needs, in addition to Tiers I-III.
Other conservation efforts will continue, helping the Medical Center ensure we can continue to care for our patients until supply chains are stabilized. These efforts include:
- Decreasing the amount of iodinated contrast agent in each dose (for several exams)
- Splitting vials of contrast agents, where appropriate (under guidance of Infection Control)
- Using alternative contrast agents and diluting other agents, as appropriate, in high-volume areas
- Utilizing alternate exam modalities that do not require iodinated contrast agents, when applicable.
