GPs are being asked to consider a global shortage of contrast media when referring patients for imaging and to seek advice on the use of alternative diagnostic modalities.

Radiologists are calling for CT scans requiring IV contrast to be reserved for high-priority patients across Australia because of the shortage brought on by COVID-19 restrictions halting supply from China.

Where possible, other imaging modalities should be used, such as patients with pulmonary embolism or gastrointestinal bleeds being investigated with MRI, according to advice from the TGA and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) released on Tuesday.

The shortage follows a hard lockdown over the past six weeks in Shanghai, shutting down production at GE Healthcare, which makes most of the contrast media used in Australia.