Accidental Arterial Sticks: Signs and Actions

摘要

Contrast materials, also known as contrast agents or contrast media, are used to enhance images of structures inside the body and to help distinguish healthy from unhealthy conditions. Most imaging modalities use some form of contrast material, delivered orally, rectally, or intravenously. The type given to the patient depends on the examination, the patient s condition, and the region of interest to be imaged. This article focuses on intravenous delivery. As the name suggests, intravenous contrast material is injected into the veins. It is critical that the technologist inject the contrast into the veins and not the arteries to avoid endangering the patient. Palpating is a reliable method for discerning the difference between a vein and an artery, but it is not fail-safe. Accidental arterial injection of contrast can cause severe reactions, tissue ischemia, and an erroneous diagnosis, and therefore requires a quick response from the technologist to prevent greater harm to the patient. Special care and awareness should be taken with patients who require contrast injections. Administering contrast material properly includes how to detect when it has been administered incorrectly and how to respond. Following established precautions, standards, and protocols helps ensure an examination that uses a contrast agent goes as planned; nevertheless, unintentional aterial cannulation can occur during an attempt to achieve intravenous access.