Utilization and perception of alternative methods to induce gallbladder contraction

Objectives In June 2013, Bracco Diagnostics announced that Kinevac, the cholecystokinin (CCK) analogue used during hepatobiliary scans to induce gallbladder contraction, was no longer in production. This began a nationwide Kinevac shortage that required hospitals to use an alternative method of contracting the gallbladder, such as pharmacy-compounded sincalide (a CCK derivative) or a fatty meal. The focus of this research was to determine nuclear medicine technologist and radiologist perception of the alternatives used in practice. Technologists will provide data on their perception of patient tolerance, while radiologists will provide their perception of the diagnostic value.

Methods After gaining IRB approval, the researcher distributed a mixed method questionnaire via Survey Monkey to obtain information regarding the Kinevac alternatives. The sample population consisted of technologists and radiologists at various Wheeling Jesuit University affiliated clinical sites in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Ohio, as well as clinical sites in the greater Cincinnati area outside Wheeling Jesuit University’s clinical program. The questionnaire gathered data on alternative CCK protocols practiced by the hospitals, which alternative gallbladder contraction method they used, and their perception of those alternatives.

Results Questionnaires are currently being distributed, and the response deadline is March 31,2014. Data analysis will be completed by April 20, 2014.

Conclusions Expectations for completing this research include: determining if CCK alternatives are adequate for regular clinical use; gaining an understanding of technologist and radiologist perception of alternative protocols; increasing awareness of alternative protocols during materials shortages.