[dianah]

If the pt has had one within the past two weeks to a month, and has no other contraindications (e.g.: diabetes, HTN, heart dz, and all previous labs have been NORMAL), will he still require a new one be drawn?

Sounds like he's just covering himself/doesn't want any surprises/doesn't want to harm the pts.
Have you thought of asking him about it (get a private tutorial )?

[DutchgirlRN]

Originally Posted by santhony44

A radiologist I've referred patients to requires a BUN and creatinine done before he'll do contrast. That's not the practice where I am currently. Anyone think this is a good idea?

I've read some of the references given here. This particular radiologist requires it for every single patient, regardless of history.

I'm wondering if our policy needs to be revised.

Sounds to me like a case of "old habits die hard" and "CYA". GFR is the current standard for whether or not the patient has sufficient renal function prior to CT contrast infusion. The current screening guidelines are anyone over 60 y/o, diabetic, known renal failure, has only 1 or 1 and 1/2 kidneys, multiple myeloma, etc..... Great article:
http://www.carj.ca/issues/2007-Apr/79/79.pdf