Contrast Administration in Patients with Renal Failure

Patients on dialysis can receive IV contrast, and early post-procedural dialysis is not routinely required; however, the fact that a patient is on dialysis should not be regarded as automatically allowing the administration IV contrast.  The administration of contrast may jeopardize the return of renal function in patients who are receiving dialysis for acute renal failure and may further worsen renal function in patients who still make some urine but receive dialysis intermittently.  The volume of iv contrast should also be considered in patients on dialysis who are at risk for volume overload.