Prevention of Infection from Contrast Agents

Article information

J Korean Med Assoc. 2020;63(3):141-144
Publication date (electronic) : 2020 March 17
doi : https://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2020.63.3.141
Department of Radiology, The Catholic University of Korea Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, Korea
Corresponding author: Seung Eun Jung E-mail: sejung@catholic.ac.kr
Revised 2020 February 02; Accepted 2020 February 10.

Abstract

Abstract

Until now, automatic contrast agent injector syringes licensed for consecutive one-time use have been employed with a number of patients. In 2016, regulation of automatic injector syringes ensured their single use, and reuse was strictly limited by law. However, this regulation creates the social problems of rising medical costs and resource waste. Many doctors are not significantly concerned about infection from contrast agent injection because the needle and connection lines on the patient side are set up for single use, the connections between syringes and contrast agents are reusable, and there are no reports of excessive infection. However, infection can nevertheless occur with injection of contrast agents. We should therefore implement the correct and safe use of contrast agents and take precautions against infection. To prevent infection due to contrast agents, syringes and connection lines for injection of such agents should be used once per patient, or multi-use licensed products should be used. In the latter case, reverse flow prevention filters must be used on the patient's side.

Figure 1.

Schematic diagram of automatic computed tomography injection system using a dual-syringe injector with two syringes for contrast agent and saline. The syringes for contrast agent and saline are connected by a T-shaped connector. A one-way valve placed in the contrast agent part of the injection tube prevents saline from infiltrating the contrast agent syringes; the T-connector is directly connected to the patient tube. The T-shaped connector in the saline part allows for filling of saline from the saline bag. Drawn by author.

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Article information Continued

Figure 1.

Schematic diagram of automatic computed tomography injection system using a dual-syringe injector with two syringes for contrast agent and saline. The syringes for contrast agent and saline are connected by a T-shaped connector. A one-way valve placed in the contrast agent part of the injection tube prevents saline from infiltrating the contrast agent syringes; the T-connector is directly connected to the patient tube. The T-shaped connector in the saline part allows for filling of saline from the saline bag. Drawn by author.