1861352e8aaeeeb7aba05e97db649fec

Contrast Dye Information for Patients

What is Contrast Dye?

Contrast dyes are special liquids used in medical imaging to make certain areas of the body stand out more clearly on scans. They assist our doctors to see organs, blood vessels, and tissues in more detail by temporarily changing how X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs interact with the body.

Contrast dye is usually given by injection, swallowing, or an enema, depending on the type of scan. Common contrast dyes include an iodine based-dye (for CT scans and X-rays), and gadolinium-based dye (for MRI scans).

Additional Information

There are very minimal risks in relation to CT contrast. But risks can increase if you have any history of kidney failure, renal compromise, diabetes or an iodine allergy, if you do have any iodine allergies please inform our staff.

Upon the injection of IV contrast, you may experience a warm, flushed sensation during the injection of the contrast materials and a metallic taste in your mouth that lasts for a few minutes. This is the normal and expected reaction, do not be concerned if you experience any of those symptoms.

Adverse reactions to IV contrast are rare but if you become light-headed or experience difficulty breathing, you should notify the Radiographer, as it may indicate a severe allergic reaction. Also notify the Radiographer if you feel itchy or have developed hives as we can treat this right away with our on-site medical team.

There are very minimal risks in relation to MRI contrast.

Upon the injection of IV contrast, you are unlikely to feel any side effects however approximately 1 in 50 patients may experience very minor and temporary side effects including: pain at the injection site, nausea, headache or dizziness.

Adverse reactions to IV contrast are rare however if you begin to fell itchy, develop hives or have trouble breathing, you should notify the Radiographer as we can treat this right away with our on-site medical team.

Not all scans require a contrast dye and each scan has different requirements.

Most MRI scans do not require contrast dyes. A majority of CT scans also do not require contrast, but there are a few notable exemptions. Any CT angiogram study will require contrast, and most CT scans for the internal organs (except the brain) require contrast in order to visualise the supporting vascular structures.

If your doctor has specifically requested contrast it should be written on the referral. If you have any questions please ask our reception team.

There is little to no formal preparation. We do recommend only eating a light meal beforehand and to stay well hydrated (this also assists in keeping your veins accessible for any intravenous contrast if necessary).

There are a few exemptions for specific CT or MRI scans (such as CT Colonography or MRI prostate) and you should reach out to our team when booking to receive instructions.

We do not charge a fee for administering MRI contrast.

CT contrast scans have different Medicare item numbers and the price does increase for contrast scans if you are paying privately (no Medicare). All Medicare card holders do not incur any costs for this and are bulk billed.

There may be a fee if you do not have Medicare and require Ultrasound-guided cannulation. This is a quick procedure which our doctor uses an Ultrasound machine to guide in a small needle (cannular) into your arm so we can administer the dye. All Medicare card holders do not incur any costs for this and are bulk billed.