Aftermath of Shanghai Lockdown... Even 'CT Scans' Are Being Blocked One After Another

US Contrast Agent Manufacturer Holds One-Third of Global Market Share... Shanghai Shutdown Halts Factory Operations
Supply Shortage Expected to Continue... Normalization Anticipated by Late June

As the lockdown in Shanghai, China, prolonged, the supply of raw materials needed for computed tomography (CT) scans was disrupted. [Image source=Pixabay]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Se-eun] As the lockdown in Shanghai, China, prolongs, the supply of raw materials needed for computer tomography (CT) scans in the United States is facing disruptions.

According to a report by The Washington Post (WP) on the 11th (local time), the Shanghai factory of GE Healthcare, a manufacturer of radioactive pharmaceuticals, has halted operations, leading to a suspension in the production of iodine contrast agents.

Iodine contrast agents are drugs administered during CT scans or fluoroscopy to make blood vessels more visible.

These contrast agents are routinely used in hospitals to detect blocked arteries around the heart, diagnose strokes, and assist in inserting stents that widen the entrance.

As the supply of contrast agents diminishes, American doctors are prioritizing the use of reserved stock for the most critical patients and postponing CT scans for patients who can wait until additional stock is secured.

The supply shortage is expected to continue for the time being.

According to WP, although the exact market share is not disclosed, GE Healthcare accounts for about one-third of the global contrast agent market, with an even higher share in the United States.

Matt Davenport, a radiology professor at the University of Michigan, explained that medical imaging using contrast agents amounts to about 100 cases per week in the U.S. alone, and that patients worldwide will experience inconvenience due to the shortage over the coming months.

GE Healthcare currently operates its factory at less than 25% capacity and expects to restore normal supply levels by the end of June.

The company is shifting production to Ireland and supplying products to the U.S. via air freight.