Informed consent for iodinated contrast media

Prior information to patients concerning the risks associated with intraven ous injection of contrast media for diagnostic imaging is rarely performed in France. Purpose: Evaluate patients' desire for information about risks of intraveno us injection of contrast material and its impact on their level of confiden ce. Material and methods: Two hundred and twenty seven adult patients, while aw aiting a CT scan with injection, read an information form reviewing the ris ks associated with intravenous injection of contrast material. They filled out an answer sheath concerning their desire to be informed and the impact of that information on their level of confidence. Two levels of risk were e valuated, one where the risk of death was included and one where the risk o f death was not included. Results: Eighty six percent of patients wished to be informed about the ris ks; eleven per cent felt they became more anxious after being informed, irr espective of the mention or not of the risk of death. Conclusion: Patients wish to be informed about the risks associated with th e intravenous injection of contrast material. This information seems to cre ate only mild anxiety.