Lessons learned from 118,970 multidetector computed tomographic intravenous contrast material administrations: Impact of catheter dwell time and gauge, catheter location, rate of contrast material administration, and patient age and sex on volume of extravasate

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of catheter dwell time and gauge, catheter location, rate of contrast material administration, and patient age and sex on volume of extravasate at intravenous contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography. METHODS: Incident reports were reviewed for all extravasation events that occurred in adult patients between March 2006 and December 2009 at 2 institutions. Patient age and sex; catheter dwell time, gauge, and location; rate of contrast material administration; and estimated volume of extravasated contrast material were recorded. RESULTS: Three hundred thirty extravasation events were recorded for the 118,970 contrast material administrations (0.3%). Mean volume of extravasated contrast material was statistically significantly less for catheters newly placed in the radiology department, for higher flow rates, for smaller gauge catheters, and for catheters placed in the hand. Mean volume of extravasated contrast material did not vary significantly based on patient age or sex. CONCLUSIONS: The volume of extravasate was likely to be smaller for smaller-gauge catheters in the hand with higher flow rates and for catheters newly placed in the radiology department.