The American College of Radiology (ACR) has issued a contrast reaction card, which summarizes important steps to be taken when managing an acute reaction to contrast material.

Offered as an addition to the ACR Manual on Contrast Media, the card outlines multiple common and serious contrast reactions. The free resource also includes details on premedication and extravasations.

“Managing contrast reactions is a necessary, important and stressful part of a radiologist’s job,” says Matthew Davenport, MD, chair of the American College of Radiology Committee on Drugs and Contrast Media. “In the heat of the moment it can be difficult to remember critical details like the dose of epinephrine. This card can help improve that process.”

The card is about the size of a driver’s license. To use in practice, simply:

  • Print the cards
  • Enter the phone number your health system uses to activate a “CODE BLUE”
  • Distribute the cards

“Of course, no reference card can be a substitute for the sound judgment and expertise of a licensed physician. However, we hope these cards will be a valuable asset in any radiology practice,” adds Davenport.

The Contrast Reaction Card is now available for download in both landscape and portrait formats.