Contrast

Recap

Just curious what it is-any steroids in it? Is it directly injected into the breast or does it involve an IV line at the elbow or ? I will be having it for my upcoming mri. I have to have a blood draw to check creatinine before contrast. Wondering what too little or too much creatinine means-6mos ago mine was on the low end of normal. I know some people have an allergic reaction to the contrast-would be nice to know the ingredients. Apparently the mri people can do the blood draw for the creatinine test, but also I could get it done at a different clinic before hand. Any pluses or minuses to who draws my blood? Any cost differences? TIA

SpecialK

Your creatinine is checked prior to contrast to determine whether your body can rid itself of the contrast material after the scan. The IV is done in hand or inner elbow. Can't advise on cost or advantage of blood draw as most of my scans with contrast have been done in a military hospital, but as a general rule I always prefer someone to draw who has the most experience, so that would be logically a lab phlebotomist. Here is a link about contrast:

https://www.insideradiology.com.au/gadolinium-contrast-medium/

Recap

Thanks, good info. Gadolinium sounds metallic to me. Another adventure in health care. Cold feeling-I have had 4 bouts of cold urcticaria on my arms. Kidneys-between diabetes and high blood pressure not sure mine are so healthy. Allergies-I discontinued Zyrtec over a year ago after my cat died. So, my game plan is fasting to reduce blood sugar by the day of, stay hydrated, no sodium, take my blood pressure pills a little early that day (test is scheduled at end of day), and take Zyrtec for couple days before.