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Congress: ECR25
Poster Number: C-27166
Type: Poster: EPOS Radiologist (scientific)
DOI: 10.26044/ecr2025/C-27166
Authorblock: L. Malafosse, K. Bellenger, M. Chodorowski, C. Lambert, D. Ben Salem; Brest/FR
Disclosures:
Louis Malafosse: Nothing to disclose
Kevin Bellenger: Nothing to disclose
Mateusz Chodorowski: Nothing to disclose
Camille Lambert: Nothing to disclose
Douraied Ben Salem: Nothing to disclose
Keywords: Contrast agents, CT, Contrast agent-intravenous, Economics
Purpose CT imaging is essential for medical diagnostics, with iodinated contrast agents used in 50% of procedures. While crucial for accurate results, these agents can pose health risks [1,2] and generate significant environmental impact [3,4]. To address these issues, the multipatient mode, historically adopted elsewhere, was introduced in France in 2024, mainly for economic reasons. By allowing a single vial to serve multiple patients, it reduces agent waste and plastic consumption without compromising diagnostic quality. 
Read more Methods and materials This prospective observational study at a university hospital measured contrast agent wastage before and after multipatient implementation, using data from the Radiology Information System, pharmacy records and weighting the plastic and iodine wastes. All patients undergoing CT scans requiring iodinated contrast were included. Plastic waste was evaluated by comparing consumables in single-patient versus multipatient modes. Additionally, radiology technologists were surveyed regarding satisfaction, training, and ease of use. The iodinated contrast wastes were keep and weighted each day in order to...
Read more Results Results showed a remarkable reduction in discarded contrast, from 96 liters to 17 liters over three months (77% decrease). [fig 1] Plastic waste declined by 55% in weight and 62% in volume, [fig 2] yielding a 30-ton annual drop in CO²-equivalent emissions including the whole cycle of life of the iodine contrast consumable. [fig 3] Radiology staff reported high satisfaction and improved work environments. Financially, the hospital saved €154,820 annually due to reduced agent and consumable waste. The global approach on the ecological...
Read more Conclusion Our experience confirms that multipatient injection is an effective, replicable strategy to lower contrast media waste, lessen environmental impact, boost operational efficiency, and yield significant cost savings. This model may be adopted by other healthcare facilities seeking greener, more sustainable imaging practices. By integrating multipatient mode into routine CT workflows, institutions can advance sustainable imaging goals, and generate broader awareness about eco-friendly healthcare solutions. Future research should carefully examine expansions of this practice to other imaging modalities and other type...
Read more References [1] Bruchet A, Hochereau C, Picard C, Decottignies V, Rodrigues JM, Janex-Habibi ML. Analysis of drugs and personal care products in French source and drinking waters: the analytical challenge and examples of application. Water Sci Technol. 2005;52(8):53-61. doi:10.2166/wst.2005.0224[2]Dekker HM, Stroomberg GJ, Prokop M. Tackling the increasing contamination of the water supply by iodinated contrast media. Insights Imaging. 2022;13(1):30. doi:10.1186/s13244-022-01175-x[3]England A, Rawashdeh M, Moore N, Young R, Curran G, McEntee MF. More sustainable use of iodinated contrast media – Why? Radiography....
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