The U.S. just sold its helium stockpile. Here’s why the medical world is worried.

On Thursday, the U.S. government completed the sale of the Federal Helium Reserve, an underground stockpile in Amarillo, Texas, supplying up to 30% of the nation’s helium. While this sale has raised concerns in the medical world, the ramifications extend beyond healthcare. Let’s explore why the medical community is worried about the sale and the potential impact on MRIs and patient care.

A Threat to Healthcare: The Consequences of the Sale

According to Soumi Saha, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at Premier Inc., the shortage in liquid helium could have serious implications for the healthcare industry, particularly for MRI machines. Approximately 40 million MRI scans are conducted each year in the United States, aiding the diagnosis of cancer, brain and spinal cord injuries, strokes, and heart conditions. MRI machines rely on liquid helium to cool their magnets, enabling the generation of high-resolution images that X-rays and CT scans cannot produce.

Despite reassurances that a shutdown of the Federal Helium Reserve would not result in an immediate halt to MRI procedures across the country, Saha emphasizes the healthcare sector’s concerns about potential shortages.

Impending Challenges: Regulatory and Logistical Issues

The privatization of the Federal Helium Reserve introduces regulatory and logistical challenges that could lead to a temporary shutdown. Rich Gottwald, CEO of the Compressed Gas Association, explains that a new owner must navigate various state-specific rules and address the need for helium enrichment. While the facility and pipelines are for sale, the enrichment system, owned by private companies like Messer, remains separate. These unresolved issues could trigger a shutdown lasting up to three years.

Industry Concerns: Urging the White House to Intervene

Trade associations, including AdvaMed and the Medical Imaging and Technology Alliance, have appealed to the White House to delay the sale. In a joint letter, they highlighted critical issues and urged the resolution of outstanding concerns identified by the Compressed Gas Association.

Scott Whitaker, CEO of AdvaMed, expresses concerns about the impact on patient care if helium supplies become further constrained. The associations emphasize the need to prioritize patient health and delay the sale until the identified concerns are adequately addressed.

Alternative Sources of Helium

While the Federal Helium Reserve in Texas is the largest source of helium in the U.S., there are other privately owned facilities in Colorado and Wyoming. Sourcing helium domestically or from neighboring Canada is the most convenient and cost-effective option due to shorter transit times. However, a significant portion of helium reserves exists in Algeria, Qatar, and Russia.

Reduced reliance on the U.S. helium reserve could lead to an increased dependence on foreign sources such as Qatar and Russia. Geopolitical concerns, tensions, and shipping delays in these regions could exacerbate potential shortages on American soil.

Impact on Research: Helium’s Role in Health and Science

Even before the government sale, helium shortages were already a concern. Jeremy Meadows, the Executive Director of Strategic Sourcing at the University of California, shares how helium allocation priorities have affected scientific research. As health care takes precedence, laboratories conducting magnetic imaging for medical research face challenges due to the limited helium supply.

Paul Williams, Chief Procurement Officer of the University of California, warns of the potential risks to research and medical communities as helium costs surge. Williams highlights instances where helium-dependent equipment, such as magnetoencephalography (MEG) scanners used in pediatric brain surgeries, could face prolonged downtime, resulting in delayed surgeries and compromised patient care.

Exploring Alternatives: The Future of MRIs

Manufacturers of MRI machines have responded to helium concerns by introducing alternatives that require minimal to no helium. These newer models, offered by companies like Philips and Siemens Healthineers, are cost-effective for hospitals, especially if helium prices continue to rise.

However, most hospitals have long-term investments in helium-dependent MRI equipment. The transition to newer models entails capital costs and a gradual replacement process, as manufacturers cannot switch out all existing MRI machines overnight. Despite the growing interest in lower-helium MRIs, the healthcare industry relies heavily on the existing helium-dependent equipment to meet the increasing demand for MRI scans.

The Road Ahead: Balancing Supply and Demand

While the sale of the Federal Helium Reserve does not immediately endanger patient care or lead to canceled MRI scans, the future of this essential element remains uncertain. The medical community closely monitors developments and hopes that healthcare concerns will be prioritized during any shortages.

For now, prudent helium consumption is advisable. As Dr. Scott Reeder, Chair of the University of Wisconsin’s Radiology Department, suggests, it may be time to reconsider using helium for party balloons.

Source link to original article: F5 Magazine