Contrast Dye as a Medication

[dsr1957]

I was wondering if anyone could let me know how they handle the use of contrast dye in their OR? At my medical center the rad techs bring the dye for a cholangiogram or whatever according to the preference card. The rad techs also stock the dyes used. The RN circulator has very little to do with the procedure except to call x-ray and give the dye that the rad tech brought to the scrub nurse. Is it different at your medical center?

Thank you!

[mikethern]

It is not uncommon for the x-ray tech to store the contrast solution.

As a circulator, your job is to confirm the type of solution, concentration, and expiration date, and to document the solution on your periop record.

Also, never say the word, "dye" in the hospital. (Think about it.)

[TracyB,RN, RN]

LOL ... Mike.. too funny...

Our facility.. circulator obtains & passes off contrast to sterile field, making sure it is properly labelled on field by scrub. We document type, etc... on the record.

[shodobe]

The "contrast" comes already sterile in our instrument setups so x-ray has nothing to do with it.

[passionate]

Well, you can say "dye" you just cannot say "die"..confusing huh?

Circulators pull the contrast medium re: preference for the case and based on pt. allergies. It is delievered to a sterile field into a marked medicine cup. When drawn up into the syringe, the syringe must also be labelled by the scrub.