Exam Safety
Contrast Reactions / Allergies

It is important to inform the technologist at the time of your examination or procedure if you have any history of reactions / allergies to a contrast agent such as x-ray dye, medications or substances such as latex.

Contrast agents are used in imaging studies to enhance or illuminate anatomy. Contrast studies are common with a low incidence of reaction. However, the following factors have been identified as increasing the risk for a contrast medium reaction:

• History of reaction to contrast agents
  
  
• Asthma or severe allergies
  
  
• Sickle cell anemia
  
  
• Multiple myeloma, renal insufficiency and diabetes mellitus

Contrast reactions range from mild (nausea, peculiar taste in mouth) to severe (respiratory and / or cardiac arrest). Patients with a history of contrast reaction can be pretreated prior to the procedure.