The SoR has collaborated with the Specialist Pharmacy Service to update Patient Group Direction (PDG) templates for gadolinium contrast agents for the third time.
Version 3.0 of the PGD templates will be valid starting in April 2025. However, the society encourages organisations to begin evaluating them now to allow sufficient time for local governance processes before current PGDs run out.
The latest updates include enhanced guidance on the legal mechanisms for administering medicines and ensuring compliance with these requirements. Additionally, the supporting information on consent and record-keeping has been revised.
Providing consistent presentation
Contrast agent templates are published by the Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS), NHS England, endorsed by the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) and the Society of Radiographers and with input from specialists working within clinical practice, for contrast agents commonly used in NHS England-commissioned radiology services.
They are intended to be used in conjunction with the SPS’ implementation advice.
Sue Johnson, the professional officer who leads this work at the SoR, added: "Although these templates are primarily aimed at the English NHS, they can be adapted for use by the independent sector and all the devolved nations with minor modifications to reflect specific governance requirements.
"The core content should remain unchanged. The templates help to reduce variation in practice and ensure compliance with medicines regulations and guidance, making services safer when radiographers move between organisations."
The templates provide a consistent presentation which meets regulatory and professional requirements and has been reviewed by specialists within the given area. They ensure that the legislative and clinical parameters have been fully considered. Organisations can tailor the content for some aspects of the templates to meet their own needs while ensuring they retain all the legally required content.
Advice and support
The six updated templates include:
- Gadoxetate disodium contrast agent
- Gadoteridol contrast agent
- Gadobenate dimeglumine contrast agent
- Gadoteric acid meglumine contrast agent
- Gadobutrol contrast agent
- Gadopiclenol contrast agent
The previous templates will remain valid until the end of March 2025.
Updated guidance on consent and record keeping emphasises the importance of obtaining patient consent. The radiographer working under the PGD is responsible for evaluating the patient against the criteria and obtaining consent for the procedure.
It explains: “If the radiographer has any concerns about administering contrast under a PGD, they should refrain from proceeding and escalate the case to the appropriate clinician, such as the on-call radiologist or the referrer.”
(Image: Brain MRI using gadolinium contrast agent by Suphachai Praserdumrongchai via Getty Images)