Is Prefilled Contrast Agent Effective in Timesaving and Patient Safety

Jinhyun Kim¹, Suyong Jeong¹, Jiming Tang¹, Eunhee Lee²*

Received: September 11, 2018;   Published: September 19, 2018

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2018.09.001759

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Abstract

Background: In CT imaging, when preparing contrast agent, the prefilled type is simpler to use than is the vial type. In this study, the benefits from using prefilled contrast agent were examined.

Methods: The benefits of the prefilled type were defined as time saving and prevention of infection. We measured the preparation time in 3 general hospitals, and then estimated the time saving benefit by multiplying the result by the cost of the CT scan. To gauge infection prevention, we conducted a decision analytic model and estimated the benefits using the probability of infection from the decision model and treatment costs.

Results: The cost of both drugs was equal; however, the additional material cost associated with vial type agent was $18.18, which is higher than that of the prefilled type. The reduction in time from using the prefilled type was on average 51.9 seconds, and the time savings was estimated as $7.22 per case. The benefit of preventing infection was estimated at $0.24 per case when using the prefilled type. Therefore, the total benefit was estimated at $25.64. Conclusions: The prefilled type was superior to the vial type in that it was associated with lower costs and higher benefits.

Keywords: Contrast Agent; Ct Scan; Time Management; Infection Control

Abstract | Introduction | Results | Discussion | Conclusion | Acknowledgment | References |