Substitue for iodine

[pcookie]

My 68 yr old mother will be having a CT Scan on her stomach and will be subjected to iodine.  She is allergic to iodine but was told that there would be an antidote on hand "in case she has a reaction".  Is there a substitue to the iodine?  She is very concerned and considering not having the procedure done.  She was recently in the hospital for a week with pancreatitis but is still not feeling well.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[pcookie]

Her CT scan is tomorrow morning.  She has called them twice since last Thursday to make sure they know she is allergic.  They keep assuring her she will be fine.  They have her taking Benedryl, Zyrtec and Prednisone any where from 2-6 hrs prior to the procedure. She will have a nurse with her at all times to monitor her.  I will repost when this is all over.
Thank you both for your advice.

[geminigirl1963]

Have your mother's doctor, on the order for the CT scan, to put that she MUST have non=ionic contrast.  Also make sure that either you or your mother contact the place she will be having the CT scan a few days beforehand to make sure they are aware that she has to have the non-ionic dye due to an iodine allergy.  Some places to not keep this on hand all the time, so they may have to order it in, so don't wait until the day of the scheduled scan or it may have to be rescheduled.

I totally agree with CalGal that, with a known allergy, having "something on hand just in case" is not sufficient.

[CalGal]

Pcookie, if your mother is allergic, I'd suggest she speak with her doctor and have a substitute used. Being allergic can be a very serious problem. Having someone say 'just in case' is not sufficient to warrant exposure. I'm allergic and it can be life-threatening. I've had to speak up several times - loud and clear - to make sure substitutes were used.