PREMEDICATION PROTOCOL FOR CONTRAST USE IN ALLERGIC PATIENTS

It is the policy of Radiology Medical Group, Inc. to use non-ionic low osmolar contrast in all examinations requiring intravenous contrast material. Non-ionic contrast has been shown to have significantly fewer adverse reactions than ionic high osmolar contrast. If a patient has a history of a minor reaction to contrast or to iodine (for example, hives) and must receive contrast for his/her imaging exam, then in addition to using non-ionic low-osmolar contrast, it is also our policy to premedicate these patients with Predinisone 40 mg PO 12 hours and 2 hours before contrast administration. You may use the photocopied prescription below for your convenience.

For patients with a previous history of moderate or severe contrast reaction, then consider an imaging exam that does not utilize contrast. An RMG radiologist would be happy to consult with you to select the most appropriate exam. If the patient must receive contrast, then the exam should be performed in a hospital setting (Scripps Mercy Radiology Scheduling 619-260-7343) and an RMG radiologist must be consulted to choose the appropriate pre-medication protocol, which may also include anesthesia standby. For patients who have no history of previous contrast reaction, but who have one or more allergies to substances other than iodinated contrast and/or have asthma, it is not our policy to routinely premedicate these patients, unless requested to do so by the referring physician.