Current Clinical Concerns in CT: Results : IV Contrast Administration
Preparation of Contrast for Infusion
1. Is prefilling the auto-injector syringes with Omnipaque 300/350 an acceptable practice? If so, how long can these contrast agents be stored in the syringe? Is there an argument against this practice?
| Answer: You can do it, but do not keep it for use for the next day. Medrad, which probably makes your syringes, informs me that you should use any syringes filled with contrast in 4-6 hours or so. (Most recently the Medrad manufacturers say up to 24 hours.) |
2. About 15 years ago as an XRAY student, I read an article concerning degradation of the rubber plunger if iodinated contrast was left unused for a period of time. I work in a busy trauma center, and we usually preload our syringes during the nightshift. Sometimes, we seem to have more reactions than others. I was wondering if there is any material or studies published on the subject that you can direct me to for future reference. Have you or your readers heard or experienced nay problems with contrast left in a contrast warmer for about 48 hours. Is this an acceptable practice, or should I put an immediate halt to this practice.
| Answer: I have not heard of any problems, nor have I seen reports of problems. However, I do not routinely preload the contrast, and let syringes sit for more than a few hours or at best 1 day.I will make a few calls to Amersham and Medrad and see if they have any further thoughts. Follow up: I met with Medrad today, and they say that contrast manufacturers quote 4-10 hours shelf life at best. They recommend not to leave the product in a syringe over night. |
3. Is it OK to mix IV contrast with different lot numbers? An example would be putting a 100 cc bottle of Omnipaque 300 in a power syringe, then adding another 50 cc of Omnipaque 300, but with a different lot number. Also, what is your suggestion about using contrast the day ARTER it has been drawn? 2 days after drawn?
| Answer: The lot numbers are not an issue. If a syringe is filled with contrast, you can use it up to 24 hours, but not 48 hours. If it is more than 24 hours, toss it. |