• This procedure is contraindicated for
• Patients with allergies to shellfish or iodinated dye. The contrast medium used may cause a life-threatening allergic reaction. Patients with a known hypersensitivity to the medium may benefit from premedication with corticosteroids or the use of nonionic contrast medium, if contrast is used.
• Patients who are claustrophobic.
• Patients who are pregnant or suspected of being pregnant, unless the potential benefits of the procedure far outweigh the risks to the fetus and mother.
• Elderly and other patients who are chronically dehydrated before the test, because of their risk of contrast-induced renal failure, if contrast is used.
• Patients who are in renal failure, if contrast is used.
• Young patients (17 yr and younger), unless the benefits of the x-ray diagnosis outweigh the risks of exposure to high levels of radiation. Information on the Image Gently Campaign can be found at the Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging (www.pedrad.org/associations/5364/ig/).

Factors that may impair clear imaging:

• Gas or feces in the gastrointestinal tract resulting from inadequate cleansing or failure to restrict food intake before the study.
• Retained barium from a previous radiological procedure.
• Metallic objects (e.g., jewelry, body rings) within the examination field, which may inhibit organ visualization and cause unclear images.
• Patients who are very obese or who may exceed the weight limit for the equipment.
• Patients with extreme claustrophobia unless sedation is given before the study.
• Inability of the patient to cooperate or remain still during the procedure because of age, significant pain, or mental status.

Other Considerations:

• Complications of the procedure may include hemorrhage, infection at the IV needle insertion site, and cardiac arrhythmias.
• The procedure may be terminated if chest pain or severe cardiac arrhythmias occur.
• Failure to follow dietary restrictions and other pretesting preparations may cause the procedure to be canceled or repeated.
• Consultation with the HCP should occur before the procedure for radiation safety concerns regarding younger patients or patients who are lactating.
• Risks associated with radiation overexposure can result from frequent x-ray procedures. Personnel in the room with the patient should wear a protective lead apron, stand behind a shield, or leave the area while the examination is being done. Personnel working in the examination area should wear badges to record their level of radiation exposure.