ISRRT Statement-Use of Contrast Agents
ISRRT Position Statement on the Supply and Administration of Contrast Agents – including oral and intravascular administration to patients by Radiographer/Medical Radiation Technologist and Radiation Therapists
The ISRRT considers the administration of oral and intravenous contrast agents within the scope of practice for radiographers/medical radiation technologists and radiation therapists subject to their demonstration of appropriate educational preparation leading to clinical competency to carry out the task as trained and where the administration of oral and intravenous contrast is permissible by regulation or law.
Radiographers, Medical Radiation Technologists and Radiation Therapists following their training will obtain a thorough understanding and knowledge of the identification, preparation, calculation, documentation, administration and patient monitoring related to the administration of oral and intravascular contrast agents. Such training also includes knowledge of indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, proper use and adverse reactions for the safe use of contrast agents.
Radiographers, Medical Radiation Technologists and Radiation Therapists will also be competent following their education and training to competently observe patients for possible complications and adverse reactions following the administration of contrast agents and respond appropriately with agreed interventions to such complications in conjunction with other available staff including a physician where regulation or law dictate.
All health care facility policies are developed to ensure that safely and quality is obtained to include both independent practices as well as hospital settings.
The ISRRT Board promotes the scope of practice for the administration of oral and intravenous contrast agents by Radiographers, Medical Radiation Technologists and Radiation Therapists in the delivery of safe, cost-effective and high quality diagnostic imaging services.
References
ACR Manual on Contrast Media- 2015, 2015_Contrast_Media
The Practice Standards for Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy- Radiography Practice Standards, 2015 http://www.asrt.org/docs/default-source/practice-standards-published/ps_rad.pdf?sfvrsn=2
Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technologist Section, Nuclear Medicine technologist scope of practice and performance standards, 2014 NMT SOP Clinical Performance Standards June 2014
RCR (Facility of Clinical Radiology) - Standards for intravascular contrast administration to adult patients – Third edition Intravasc_contrast_web
Society of Radiographers (UK) – Course of Study of for the Certification of Competence in Administrating Intravenous Injections https://www.sor.org/learning/document-library/course-study-certification-competence-administering-intravenous-injections
