To our patients: A message concerning nation-wide IV contrast shortage

Pandemic-related impact on the global supply chain has caused a critical nation-wide shortage of intravenous (IV) contrast used for certain CT scans and other diagnostic procedures. Availability of this product is expected to be extremely limited until at least July 2022. The University of Vermont Health Network is actively working to minimize effects on patient care during this period. We are following the requested actions of the Vermont Department of Health by instituting a number of measures to conserve supply, including: 

• Careful monitoring of on-hand inventory
• Using the minimum amount of contrast necessary per procedure
• Use of alternative imaging studies that do not require intravenous contrast, when appropriate
• Delaying non-urgent imaging studies that require intravenous contrast

These measures are intended to conserve our limited supply of intravenous contrast for those patients with the greatest need, such as those with medical emergencies and other medical issues that cannot be delayed or resolved through other means. We appreciate your patience during this time, and will resume our normal operating procedures when supply has been restored.

Any patients who are affected by a change in type of imaging study or whose study will be postponed will be contacted directly.