Current Clinical Concerns in CT: Results : IV Contrast Administration
Prescan Determination of Creatinine Level
1. What is your policy on outpatient requirements for having labs drawn, to determine creatinine levels? Are all patients over a certain age required to have a recent creatinine, or those with diabetes or renal disease? Or are there no requirements? [Three individuals posed this question.]
| Answer: We do try to get the patient's most recent BUN and creatinine. If it is not available and the patient does not have a history of diabetes or renal disease we will proceed. We do require it for diabetics or history of any renal problem. |
2. My radiologist has decided she wants a BUN and creatinine level before myelograms. I don't know of anyone else doing that and though I should check here. Do any of you require these tests before myelography? Is it really necessary?
| Answer: I've never heard that request before. |
References
Michael A. Bettmann Frequently Asked Questions: Iodinated Contrast Agents
RadioGraphics 2004; 24: 3-10.
- Summary: Many of the questions presented here are addressed in this recently published Radiographics article, which serves as an excellent reference. In this paper, Dr. Bettmann provides a list of clinical conditions and risk factors for renal dysfunction which should prompt a determination of BUN and creatinine levels prior to administering IV contrast.