Harbor:Creatinine screening prior to IV contrast

  • ED patients do NOT require creatinine measurement prior to IV contrast if the study is immediately necessary to prevent life-threatening decompensation or delay in emergent treatment (e.g., trauma patients, dissection r/o)
  • DHS IV Contrast Expected Practices 10-2022
    • Ok to give IV contrast if GFR>30
    • No need for GFR screening if age <60 with no pertinent history (AKI, CKD, HD with urine output, renal transplant, Metformin use)
    • If the GFR<30, ER physician should state in the CT order “Clinical History” or document in the chart that IV contrast is necessary and authorized.
      • Alternately, the CT tech may call the physician to confirm IV contrast is necessary and authorized, and CT tech should document this communication in the chart.
    • Screening for MRI contrast is unnecessary unless using Eovist for liver mets study (all ED Emergent studies should use Dotarem or Gadavist)


See Also

References

[1][2]:

  1. Tippins RB, Torres WE, Baumgartner BR, Baumgarten DA. Are screening serum creatinine levels necessary prior to outpatient CT examinations? Radiology. 2000 Aug;216(2):481-4.
  2. ACR Manual on Contrast Media – Version 10, 2015. PDF Accessed 08/10/15