MD Scientific, a new start-up company, has attained a method patent to protect patients against contrast-induced nephropathy by pre-treating them with sodium bicarbonate. But because their treatment involves a mixture of commonly available materials, both hospitals and the ACR are concerned about the potential for patent infringement suits to be brought against radiologists who approximate MD Scientifics method without paying a license fee, according to an article posted on the Aunt Minnie web site on June 13. In a memorandum to members, the ACR wrote that the primary issue at hand is whether any company can claim patent rights where a physician or healthcare facility performs a procedure on a patient that does not involve use of a patented machine, matter, or biotechnology. But Shade Mecum, president and CEO of the start-up, sees things differently. The hospitals are looking into whether the patent is applicable and enforceable, and, as soon as they do due diligence, we suspect we will hear from many of them, he was quoted as saying.