Millions of doses ofiodinated contrast agents (ICA)are given each year. The main risks are anaphylactoid reactions and nephrotoxicity. However, there is also a risk of contamination and bacterial infection.

As contrast media often comes in vials that can be split for multiple procedures, it can be tempting to use vials of contrast for multiple patients, especially in times of shortage.

Some studies have shown that contrast media has bactericidal effects, slowingbacterial proliferation or not allowing bacterial proliferation. However, single use and multiple use drug vials remain prone to bacterial contamination and are potential sources of infection.

Reusing single dose vials increases the risk of invasive infections, such as bacteremia and meningitis.

We present ASRA recommendations for contrast utilization during shortage of ICA.

This case report presents a patient who was mistakenly given a dose of contrast from a vial used for a previous patient. Fortunately, the patient did not experience any adverse outcomes.