Ontario hospitals conserving medical dye supply amid global shortage
A global shortage of medical dye has Ontario hospitals scrambling to conserve supply.
Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie is just one of several central Ontario hospitals forced to limit the use of iodinated contrast dye - a solution used in patients when undergoing diagnostic imaging scans.
"There's no question that it's a challenge," said Dr. Jeff Tyberg, RVH Chief of Staff Academic and Medical Affairs.
"We are trying to conserve it as best we can by not wasting a single drop."
According to officials, the halt to the production line in China during COVID-19 lockdowns caused the supply issues.
Dr. Tyberg said the dye is injected into a patient and is then used to help physicians identify an array of illnesses such as cancer or damaged arteries.
"They inject that dye to see what artery is blocked, how blocked is it, and what approach to put a balloon in that artery."
The shortage brings a risk of delayed procedures, but hospital officials in Orillia, Barrie, and Newmarket said we're not there yet.
The Orillia hospital noted, "Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital is aware, but is not currently being impacted by supply chain issues with iodinated contrast" in a statement to CTV News.
"If we need to delay procedures, we will start with the ones that have no or minimal impact on patients," said Dr. Tyberg.
"We are doing well right now. It has not impacted our patient care directly," said Barbara Steed, Executive VP of clinical services at Southlake Regional Health Centre.
At Southlake alone, the hospital says the dye was used in 35,000 surgeries last year.
Now, with the hospitals forced to conserve the solution, staff are turning to alternative methods.
"For example, instead of getting a CT scan, you can get just as much information from an MRI that doesn't need contrast," explained Dr. Tyberg of one of the ways some patients can be treated.
RVH officials said that although limited supply of the dye is challenging, they are prepared to conserve, preserve and use the dye that they have, adding that no one requiring emergency care would go without.
Both RVH and Southlake said production is beginning to ramp up overseas, and they are anticipating shipments.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.