IV Contrast Doses

The Common Vein Copyright 2008

Licensed Radiology Technologists are approved to administer contrast media per hospital policy.  Patients must complete the Contrast Questionnaire which will then be signed by the radiologist before it is okay to proceed with the protocol for that specific exam.

If the protocol requires the use of IV contrast media; the technologist will administer IV Iopamidol (Isovue) (370 mg iodine/ml) according to the following administration guidelines via power injector.

Patient Weight Less than 140 lbs (64 kg) 140 lbs (64 kg) to 250 lbs (114kg) Greater than 250 lbs (114kg)
Diagnostic exam Rate (mls/second) Total volume to be infused (mls) Total volume to be infused (mls) Total volume to be infused (mls)
CT HEAD 1 100 100 100
CT NECK 1.5 80 80 80
CT CHEST 1.8 70 80 90
CT ABDOMEN 2 80 100 110
CT PELVIS 2 80 100 100
CT Neck/Chest/Abd/Pelvis 2 120 130 150
CT CHEST/ABD/PELVIS 2 80 100 110
CT ABD/PELVIS  2 80 100 110
CT CERVICAL SPINE No Contrast
CT THORACIC SPINE No Contrast
CT LUMBER SPINE No Contrast
CT UPPER EXTREMITY 1.8 75 85 100
CT LOWER EXTREMITY 1.8 80 100 115
CT ORBITS/ SELLA 1.8 100 100 100
CT IAC?S, TMJ?S, SINUS 1.8 100 100 100
CT MAXILLO/FACIAL No Contrast
CT ANGIO HEAD 5 90 100 110
CT ANGIO NECK 5 90 100 110
CT ANGIO CHEST 3.5 80 90 110
CT ANGIO ABD 4 85 100 120
CT ANGIO PELVIS 4 80 100 120
CT PULMONARY ANGIOGRAM 3.5 80 90 110
CT CARDIAC 5 80 80 80
CT RUN-OFF to ANKLES 5 120 130 150
CT ANGIO RENAL ARTERY 5 120 130 130
CT Abdomen for liver mass 3.5 100 110 135
CT Abdomen for renal mass 2 100 110 125
CT Head and neck angio 5 100 110 125
CT Pulmonary venogram 4 100 110 120
CT Abdomen and Pelvic for hematuria 2 120 130 130
  • All CT angiograms will be given a flush of 40 ml 0.9% Saline x 1.
  • Patients who are injected with contrast media will be closely observed.
  • If a patient experiences any adverse reactions, the technologist will immediately stop the administration and notify the radiologist or covering physician on the premises.
  • Contrast Reaction Medications are secured in the supply cart located in each of the CT scan rooms.
  • The technologist will document the administration rate and total volume delivered to the patient on the Administration Section of the Contrast Questionnaire and technologist note on PACS.
  • Radiologist will need to write/sign order for deviations from this protocol and for special considerations, (ie nephrectomy, increased BUN and/or serum creatinine, pediatrics)