Joint BSGAR - NCTCA Interim Guidance on CTC Bowel Preparation During Gastrografin Shortage
Dear BSGAR Members,
Please click here (or view below) for joint interim guidance from BSGAR and the National CT Colonography Academy (NCTCA) on alternative bowel preparation regimens in response to the current global Gatrografin shortage. This has been developed to support radiology departments and help minimise impact on CTC services. Sample patient information leaflets from sites certified as NCTCA Centres of Excellence are also below.
The ongoing shortage, affecting services nationwide, has raised concerns regarding potential delays to symptomatic colorectal imaging and Bowel Cancer Screening Programme activity. As Gastrografin is a key component of standard CTC bowel preparation, its limited availability has necessitated adaptations to maintain both diagnostic quality and service continuity.
To address this, BSGAR and NCTCA have produced detailed recommendations outlining alternative bowel preparation approaches. These include Omnipaque-based tagging regimens, iodine-free options for patients with a history of anaphylaxis, and enhanced regimens for individuals with constipation or prior inadequate bowel preparation. These measures are intended as temporary solutions and will be reviewed as supply stabilises.
Departments are encouraged to work closely with pharmacy teams to establish Patient Group Directions (PGDs), enabling radiographers to supply bowel preparation directly where appropriate. This is expected to help reduce delays associated with prescription processes and support improved patient flow during this period of disruption.
Best wishes,
Dr Anu Obaro
BSGAR Colorectal Subcommittee Chair / Director of Online Training & Development NCTCA
Dr Raneem Albazaz
BSGAR President, [email protected]
