Covid shutdowns in China are delaying medical scans in the U.S.

But with contrast supplies dwindling because of the manufacturing shutdown halfway around the world — part of stringent Chinese covid policies that kept workers at home and forced factory closures — doctors at many U.S. health systems are scrambling. They are prioritizing the most seriously ill patients and postponing more routine tests for those who can safely wait until contrast stocks are replenished.

GE Healthcare told hospital officials that capacity at the plant was 25 percent this week and that it expects to have supplies flowing normally again by the end of June. It has shifted production to a plant in Ireland and is flying shipments into the United States to speed delivery.

But getting through the next six to eight weeks could be difficult for local health systems reeling under the sudden supply shortage. Postponement notices for non-emergency appointments are already going out to patients.

...