The global shortage of medical dye has led Ontario hospitals to struggle to maintain supplies.

The Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie is one of several hospitals in central Ontario forced to limit the use of iodine-processed contrast dye, a solution used by patients when undergoing diagnostic imaging tests.

Dr. Jeff Taiperg, Chief of Academic and Medical Affairs at RVH, said, "There is no doubt that it is a challenge." "We try to preserve it as much as possible by not wasting a single drop."

According to officials, the production line shutdown in China during the COVID-19 lockdowns caused supply problems.

Dr. Taiperg said the dye is injected into the patient and then used to help doctors identify a range of diseases such as cancer or damaged arteries. "They inject that dye to see the blocked artery, and how blocked it is... ."

Dr. Taiperg said, "If we need to delay procedures, we will start with procedures that have no or minimal impact on patients."

Barbara Stead, Executive Vice President of Clinical Services at South Lake Regional Health Centre, said, "We are doing well now. This has not directly affected patient care."

At South Lake alone, the hospital says the dye was used in 35,000 surgeries last year. Now, with hospitals forced to conserve the quantity for as long as possible, staff are resorting to alternative methods.

"For example, instead of a CT scan, you can get the same amount of information from MRI imaging which does not require contrast."

RVH officials said that although the limited supply of dye is a challenge, they are prepared to preserve the dye they have, adding that no one in need of emergency care will be missed.