Pediatric contrast media administration
Abstract:
Purpose: This study assessed radiographers’ knowledge of iodinated contrast media (ICM) use in pediatric computed tomography (CT). Pediatric patients require customized contrast administration due to distinct anatomical and physiological traits. Optimizing ICM use is key to ensuring diagnostic accuracy, patient safety, and efficient resource use.
Approach: A cross-sectional online survey using a convenience/snowball sampling approach was administered to 103 CT radiographers at international healthcare institutions. The questionnaire gathered data on demographics, education, clinical experience, ICM training, and knowledge of pediatric-specific contrast practices. Knowledge scores were divided into five performance levels. Descriptive and comparative analyses were used to identify trends and gaps.
Results: Most participants (75.7%) scored below 60%. None achieved an “Excellent” score, and only 1.9% scored “Very Good”. Major gaps included weight-based dosing, injection-rate selection, extravasation response, and power-injector safety. Despite this, 93.2% felt confident modifying protocols. Knowledge scores were significantly associated with years of professional experience (p = 0.017), modification of pediatric CT contrast protocols according to patient weight (p = 0.012), and self-reported confidence in modifying contrast media delivery (p = 0.012).
Conclusion: This study identified important gaps in radiographers’ knowledge of pediatric contrast media administration despite high self-reported confidence. These findings highlight the need to strengthen pediatric-specific knowledge and support safer, more consistent contrast administration practices. practices.
Plain language summary: Contrast dye is often used during CT scans in children to improve image quality, but children need doses and injection methods that are carefully adjusted for their size and needs. This study surveyed CT radiographers about their knowledge of contrast dye use in children and the practices they use in clinical care. This study found that many radiographers lacked knowledge in important safety and dosing areas, even though most felt confident about making changes to contrast protocols. This matters because better training can help improve safety and ensure children receive the right amount of contrast dye for their scans.
Reference:
Rawashdeh M, Bouhssine Z, Muneer S, Ali RM, Kashabash D, Ali SI, Saade C, El-Sayed MZ, Ali MA. Significant knowledge gaps in pediatric contrast media administration: Exploratory insights from radiographers. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci. 2026 Nov 3;58(1):102612. doi: 10.1016/j.jmir.2026.102612. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42976684.