Since the 1990’s, multi-patient contrast administration has been available in the form of the Pharmacy Bulk Package (PBP), which is still offered by several contrast vendors. The FDA required that all related Prescribing Information (PI) sheets for the PBP include specific directions for the dispensing of the contrast from the PBP container. The PI language describes withdrawing the contrast from the bottle in a suitable work area, specifically “a laminar flow hood, using aseptic techniques”. However, this method is not possible in most CT Suites, as laminar flow hoods are generally located in the Pharmacy, not the CT suite.

Therefore, during the last decade, regulators have begun to have concerns about the use of PBP. In 2009, The Joint Commission began citing imaging providers who were using PBP to fill power injector syringes in what they considered an unsuitable work area, as described in the manufacturer’s PBP guidelines for the dispensing of contrast.

This Expert Forum will review the steps taken by the contrast media industry and the FDA to develop a safe and compliant solution for multi-patent contrast administration in CT. This solution is now available as the Imaging Bulk Package (IBP) which is approved for use in the CT Suite. This panel will also share their comprehensive process for incorporating IBP into their clinical practice.

Supported through an unrestricted educational grant from Bracco Diagnostics Inc.