As you may be aware, there is a potentially serious disease called Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis, or NSF, that studies have shown to be linked to the administration of gadolinium, the contrast agent used for MRI studies. 

 After exhaustive research and in compliance with the FDA and the American College of Radiology White Paper on MR Safety, we have revised our contrast administration policy to what we believe is the appropriate course of action for patients receiving gadolinium.

Our prescreening staff now has a list of criteria that, if a patient answers yes to, require a recent BUN and serum creatinine level.  A GFR calculation is then performed which indicates the level to which gadolinium contrast can safely be administered or possibly not administered at all. 

Patient safety is our utmost concern and we want you to know we take this very seriously. 

Should you have any questions regarding our policy or the mechanism by which patients obtains the order for lab work, please feel free to contact our office.

For additional information regarding NSF please visit:

Cowper SE. Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy [NFD/NSF Website]. 2001-2007. Available at http://www.icnfdr.org. Accessed mm/dd/yyyy.