Should you place IV contrast in a warmer prior to using it? - Yes - No - Not sure
Why would you not warm iodinated contrast? - Cost and record keeping is needed - Purchase warmer - Keep log and monitor the warmer for correct temperature daily (Joint Commission rule) - Need to label bottles with 30 day expiration date (Joint Commission rule)
“ Extrinsic warming (to 37° C) does not appear to affect adverse event rates for intravenous injections of iopamidol 300 of less than 6 ml/sec but is associated with a significant reduction in extravasation and overall adverse event rates for the more viscous iopamidol 370.” Rate of Contrast Material Extravasations and Allergic-like Reactions: Effect of Extrinsic Warming of Low-Osmolality Iodinated CT Contrast Material to 37° C Davenport MS et al. Radiology 2012; 262:475-484
“Discontinuation of extrinsic warming (to 37° C) did not appear to affect adverse event rates for intravenous injections of iopamidol 300 of less than 6 ml/sec but was associated with an approximate tripling of extravasation and overall adverse event rates for the more viscous iopamidol 370.” Rate of Contrast Material Extravasations and Allergic-like Reactions: Effect of Extrinsic Warming of Low-Osmolality Iodinated CT Contrast Material to 37° C Davenport MS et al. Radiology 2012; 262:475-484
