Home | Business News | Browse by Publication | R | Radiologic Technology

Contrast media handling.

Article Excerpt
Contrast-enhanced imaging has become an invaluable tool in helping to distinguish the body's organs and tissues and improve diagnosis. (2) Radiologic technologists are charged with ensuring patient safety when administering contrast agents, while also paying close attention to protecting their own safety.

Awareness about safe practices in hospitals and other health care settings is growing among both patients and health care professionals largely because of reports from the Institute of Medicine (IOM). (3,4) In addition, the continuing threat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) poses to health care workers has renewed attention to occupational safety. (5)

Because of safety-related questions raised with the ASRT Office of Practice Issues and a desire to focus on patient safety, ASRT initiated a series of efforts focused on contrast handling and administration. These efforts included sponsoring a 2005 research survey on contrast administration safety conducted by the ASRT Education and Research Foundation. Also, on April 23, 2007, the ASRT gathered a group of participants in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for a full-day discussion of safety considerations related to the handling, storage and administration of contrast media.

The range and hierarchy of regulations and standards affecting R.T.s' handling and administration of contrast were included in the discussion. Federal and state laws, accreditation standards, practice guidelines, standards from professional organizations and institutional policies and practices all affect professional practice. (6) The order of authority and differing state laws cause confusion for R.T.s. The ASRT considers contrast administration and venipuncture within the radiologic technologist's scope of practice "with appropriate clinical and didactic education where state statutes and/or institutional policy permit." (7)

Hospitals generally incorporate regulations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and The Joint Commission into their policies. Although freestanding imaging centers and private physician offices can apply for voluntary accreditation, the standards are not the same as those applied to hospitals. R.T.s have asked questions concerning their scope of practice and ethics in these situations. (6)

The focus on patient safety, contrast media safety and other regulations and standards has created a sort of "perfect storm" for addressing issues surrounding contrast media handling and administration. Proactively addressing contrast safety demonstrates that the ASRT and the radiologic technology profession are taking a professional approach, rather than waiting for regulatory solutions imposed by outside agencies or accrediting bodies (Safety considerations related to the handling, storage and administration of contrast media, meeting minutes, April 2007).

Safety Initiatives, Guidelines and Regulations

Several federal agencies are involved in regulating contrast administration, handling and storage. OSHA issued the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard in 1991 to protect health care workers from exposure risk. The standard was revised in 2001 in response to the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act. About one-half of states have adopted their own standards and policies, which generally are identical to the federal standards. If state laws differ, they must be at least as stringent as federal regulations. (5)

In addition, contrast agents fall under regulations and guidelines for all pharmaceuticals. They are listed in the National Drug Code and must meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements. Federal and state...

View this article FREE - Now for a Limited Time, try Goliath Business News
Free for 3 Days!