Contrast Reactions and Approaches to Staffing the Contrast Reaction Management Team

Managing contrast reactions is critical as contrast reactions can be life-threatening and unpredictable. Institutions need an effective system to handle these events. Currently, there is no standard practice for assigning trainees, radiologists, non-radiologist physicians, or other non-physician providers for management of contrast reaction. The Association of Academic Radiologists (AAR) created a task force to address this gap. The AAR task force reviewed existing practices, studied available literature, and consulted experts related to contrast reaction management. The Society of Chairs of Academic Radiology Departments (SCARD) members were surveyed using a questionnaire focused on staffing strategies for contrast reaction management. The task force found disparities in contrast reactions management across institutions and healthcare providers. There is a lack of standardized protocols for assigning personnel for contrast reaction management. The AAR task force suggests developing standardized protocols for contrast reaction management. The protocols should outline clear roles for different healthcare providers involved in these events.