Nursing role model for computed tomography contrast injection decreases extravasation rates
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Updated: May 24, 2026

Anatomical Reconstructions of the Human Cardiac Venous System using Contrast-computed Tomography of Perfusion-fixed Specimens
Published on: April 18, 2013
Nadja Kadom1, Hayder D Hashim, Cara Olsen
1Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA. nkadom@cnmc.org
Insights
Pediatric nursing is key to reducing contrast extravasation during computed tomography scans. This review of 17 events highlights nursing
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Pediatric Imaging
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Extravasation of intravenous contrast during computed tomography (CT) is a concern in pediatric patients.
- Minimizing these events improves patient experience and reduces adverse outcomes in pediatric radiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively review contrast extravasation events in pediatric patients.
- To identify factors contributing to extravasation incidents and inform strategies for reduction.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 17 documented contrast extravasation events over 4 years.
- Analysis of departmental quality assurance data to identify contributing factors.
Main Results:
- Identified pediatric nursing as a critical factor in managing extravasation rates.
- 17 extravasation events were analyzed from institutional quality assurance data.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric nursing staff play a central role in achieving and maintaining low rates of contrast extravasation.
- Focusing on nursing protocols can significantly improve patient safety in pediatric CT imaging.
Abstract:
Extravasation of intravenous contrast administered for computed tomography remains of concern in pediatric patients. It is of great interest to any pediatric radiology department to decrease extravasation events in an effort to reduce even small adverse outcomes and improve the overall patient experience in the radiology department. Here, a total of 17 extravasation events, as reported and documented in departmental quality assurance at our institution over 4 years, were retrospectively reviewed for factors contributing to the number of adverse extravasation events. We found that pediatric nursing plays a central role in both achieving and maintaining a low extravasation rate at our institution.
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Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
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