New Standards for Administration of Intravascular Contrast Agents for Adults

Revised guidelines to the administration of iodine- and gadolinium-based contrast agents were published.

The update was deemed necessary because of an increase in the use of iodinated and Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents (GBCA), and new research into potential risks of their use, weighed against potential benefits.

The standards provide guidelines for radiologists and other clinicians, for the prevention and treatment of adverse events related to the use of intravascular contrast agents in adult patients, and were published by the United Kingdom (UK) Royal College of Radiologists (RCR; London, England). The guidelines are intended to improve safety, and care for patients undergoing diagnostic imaging or image-guided interventions.

The main changes documented in the update are the nomenclature and definitions for Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury (CI-AKI). Another change emphasizes the importance of maintaining hydration of patients at risk of CI-AKI, minimizing the dose of intravascular contrast per patient, and taking into account patient factors, the exam indication, and technical scan parameters. In addition, the update mentions the importance of clearer identification of patients at risk, the need for explicit documentation of adverse events when they happen using digital system such as a Radiology Information System (RIS) or Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) in case of future imaging exams.

The update is available online and can be downloaded from the website of the RCR.

Related Links:
UK Royal College of Radiologists