‘We didn’t see it coming’: What to expect from CT scan rationing

Radiologists are urging GPs to minimise imaging requests where possible amid the global shortage of contrast media
Associate Professor Sanjay Jeganathan.
Associate Professor Sanjay Jeganathan.

The hard lockdown in Shanghai has triggered a global shortage of contrast media, the key product used in thousands of CT scans in Australia each day.

Both the TGA and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists are asking doctors to consider deferring CT scans where appropriate to help preserve limited supplies (see box).