Harbor:Creatinine screening prior to IV contrast

Background

To expedite the appropriate use of creatinine screening in ED patients requiring IV contrast for CT or other radiographic evaluation

Guideline

ED patients do NOT require Cr measurement prior to IV contrast if:

1. They are <60 years old AND do NOT have
   1. history of kidney failure or transplant
   2. family history of kidney failure
   3. diabetes, hypertension
   4. collagen vascular disease (eg, SLE, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis)
   5. paraproteinemia syndrome (eg, myeloma)
   6. recent use of nephrotoxic medication (eg, aminoglycosides)
2. If the study is immediately necessary to prevent life-threatening decompensation or delay in emergent treatment

See Also

• Contrast with Renal Dysfunction
• Oral Contrast for CT

Source

• American College of Radiology Manual on Contrast Administration
• Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Policy, "Emergency Department Creatinine Screening Guidelines for Radiographic Evaluations"