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MSK Protocol General

Last Updated: 2026-01-01 Author:

  • 1. Clinical Summary

    Series Phase Coverage
    Non-contrast Non-contrast Region to Region
    Contrast phase Contrast (60-90 sec if done delay) Region to Region
    Delayed phase Contrast (5-10 min if done delay) Region to Region
    • Pre-operative planning
    • Post-operative assessment
    • Infection
    • Mass
    • Soft tissue tumor
    • Abscess

  • 2. Patient Prep

    • Position: Depends on body part
    • NPO Status: NPO 2-4 hours if contrast

  • 3. IV Contrast & Injection

    Parameter Value
    Agent Omnipaque 350 if contrast
    Volume 100 mL if contrast
    Flow Rate 2-3 mL/s

    Use full dose if GFR > 30

    If GFR < 30

    Max Contrast = \(2*\left[\frac{\text{Patient Weight}}{75 \text{ kg}} * \text{eGFR}\right]\)

  • 4. Special Notes

    • Field of view specific to region. Submillimeter if 3D needed. NC and/or contrast based on indication. Delayed phase (5-10 min) for infection/tumor
    • Additional Recons: Compare to contralateral side. Measure lesions. Bone and soft tissue windows
    • IV for contrast studies. Document indication

    Safety First

    • Renal Function: N/A or eGFR > 30
    • Allergy: N/A or check allergy
    • NC: baseline bone soft tissue. Contrast: enhancement pattern. Delayed: washout or persistent enhancement. 3D for surgical planning
    • Tailor protocol to clinical question. Bilateral for comparison
Series Name Start Location End Location Delay Slice Thickness Notes
Scout Region specific Region specific N/A N/A Two views
Non-contrast Region Region N/A 0.625-1 mm Baseline if done
Contrast phase Region Region 60-90 sec if done 0.625-1 mm Standard if done
Delayed phase Region Region 5-10 min if done 1-2 mm For infection/tumor
Plane Acquisition FOV Thickness/Increment Kernel IR Strength Notes
Axial Acquisition Region 1-2 mm/1-2 mm Bone and Standard 3 Primary images
Coronal Region Region 2 mm/2 mm Bone and Standard 3 Coronal reformats
Sagittal Region Region 2 mm/2 mm Bone and Standard 3 Sagittal reformats
3D if needed Region Bones 0.625-1 mm source Bone N/A 3D for surgical planning