MDCT Technology – Introduction Technical Considerations Preparing Patients for CE Exams CM Safety
Preparing Patients for Contrast-Enhanced Exams
Scheduling the Exam
- Plan the examination to allow enough time to:
- Adequately prepare the patient
- Acquire patient information
- Direct the patients to come in advance if oral GI contrast will be administered
- Upper abdomen – 30 minutes before
- Whole abdomen – 60 to 90 minutes before
- Screen the patients for the following
- Renal function – It is advisable to consult the table “Risk Factors for Developing CIN” for pre-exam identification and preparation of patients who may be at risk for developing contrast-induced renal impairment.
- Known allergies to contrast media, asthma, or history of multiple allergies
- Metformin or other biguanide treatment for diabetes (temporarily discontinue)
- History or suspicion of hyperthyroidism
- Determine the need to plan in advance for:
- Bowel cleansing
- Fasting prior to exam (eg, CT of stomach or pancreas)
- Coordination with a specialist, eg,
- Anesthesiologist for children requiring sedation
- Medical support staff for ICU patient on a ventilator
P. Costello and CR Lowry
Multidetector CT Protocols
Developed for GE, Philips, Siemens,Toshiba Scanners
Springer 2005, 2006