This information leaflet has been produced to give you further information on what you should do if you have had a reaction to the x-ray dye that was given to you as part of your CT scan. It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and the healthcare team, but may act as a starting point for discussion. If after reading it you have concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team.
What is an x-ray dye reaction?
The use of x-ray dye is a standard part of the scanning process that helps us provide your doctor with an accurate diagnosis. You have had an injection of x-ray dye called Omnipaque and, unfortunately, you have had an allergic reaction to this dye.
Allergic reactions to Omnipaque x-ray dye are uncommon but do occur. Any reaction to the dye is normally immediate during the injection or within the first hour following administration, but occasionally reactions can occur up to several days later.
For the majority of patients, the reaction is mild and any symptoms will almost always disappear within a few hours with little or no medical help. Mild reactions include rash, nausea, vomiting and itching. Other possible delayed reactions include diarrhoea or constipation, abdominal pain, dizziness and headache.
What happens next?
You will be asked to stay in the CT Department for a minimum of 30 minutes after your scan. A radiographer (member of the radiology team trained to carry out scans) and/or a Radiology Support Worker will check on you regularly and basic observations, such as blood pressure and pulse, will be taken if needed.
Depending on your reaction, a radiographer or a doctor will check your symptoms before you leave the department and advise you if any further treatment is necessary.
Do I need any follow-up treatment?
You will not routinely need any follow-up treatment, although we may contact you the next day if we have any clinical concerns. Usually anti-histamines from your local chemist will help with any mild symptoms, but if your symptoms persist, become more severe or if you have any concerns you should contact your GP, 111 or your nearest A&E Department for advice.
Although rare, it is important to seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of the following:
- Swelling of the face, mouth, hands, feet or throat
- Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
- Fainting
- Coughing / wheezing / sneezing
- Eye irritation
- Rash / hives / itchy red skin that does not go away after taking anti-histamines
What happens if I need x-ray dye again?
There are different x-ray dyes available, so an alternative may be used for future appointments if x-ray dye is required. The Radiology Department at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Gateshead will have added an alert to your records indicating that you are allergic to Omnipaque.
If you attend a Radiology Department outside of the Gateshead Trust, please tell your radiographer, on arrival, that you have had a previous reaction to Omnipaque x-ray dye and the type of reaction you had.
The decision will be made by the supervising doctor as to whether you will require x-ray dye again or if the test is better performed without.
Who do I contact if I have concerns?
Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the CT Department on (0191) 445 2094.