Gadolinium Contrast MRI & MRA Protocol for Ordering Physicians

Based on recent FDA warnings and recommendations from the American College of Radiology (ACR) regarding intravenous gadolinium contrast given for contrast enhanced MRI examinations, the physicians of Arcadia Radiology Medical Group have instituted the following protocol effective immediately for MRIs WITH CONTRAST (except MRI arthrograms)

When scheduling an MRI with CONTRAST:

ALL of the following patients:

• Age greater than 70
• History of diabetes
• History of renal failure, liver failure, or organ transplant

MUST have a SERUM CREATININE and CURRENT ACTUAL WEIGHT within the past 30 days

When scheduling an MRA with CONTRAST:

ALL PATIENTS MUST have a SERUM CREATININE and CURRENT ACTUAL WEIGHT within the past 30 daysWe will NOT administer gadolinium contrast (for MRI/MRA) to:

• Patients currently on dialysis*
• Patients with an estimated GFR < 30 ml/min*

* If the ordering physician has determined that the benefits of using gadolinium contrast outweigh the risks in an attempt to diagnose the patient; the ordering physician must document on the order request form to proceed with the study and document in the patient’s medical record the rationale behind his/her decision. If the patient is currently on dialysis they must be dialyzed on the same day and the two subsequent days. Dialysis patients will be given scheduling priority to accommodate same-day dialysis.Please contact us at (626) 445-4850 if you have any questions related to this protocol.