Everything you need to know about Computed Tomography (CT)
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Contrast Warmers

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