Extravasation Guidance
This leaflet explains what happened today and how to care for your arm at home. During your scan, some of the contrast dye leaked from the vein into the surrounding tissue. This is called extravasation.
What happens next?
In most cases 97 out of 100, this is a minor injury that resolves on its own within a few days. You may experience:
- Stinging or pain at the injection site, which usually fades within 30 minutes.
- Swelling or a “lump” where the fluid leaked.
- Bruising or redness around the area.
Your body will naturally absorb the contrast dye over the next few days.
How to care for your arm at home
To reduce swelling and discomfort, please follow these steps:
- Elevate Your Arm: Keep the affected arm raised above the level of your heart as much as possible for the next 24 hours. When sleeping, use two pillows to keep it propped up.
- Use a Cold Compress: Apply a cold pack or a bag of frozen vegetables (wrapped in a clean towel) to the area. Apply for 15–20 minutes at a time, 3 to 4 times a day. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
- Massage the Area: Gently massage the site to help the fluid disperse and be absorbed.
- Pain Relief: If the area is sore, take your usual over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help your system clear the dye.
When to seek medical help
While rare, severe complications can occur. Contact 111 immediately if you notice:
- Increasing pain that is not controlled by simple painkillers.
- Severe swelling that continues to get worse or spreads.
- Skin changes: Blistering, peeling, flaking, or skin that feels very hard.
- Sensation changes: Persistent numbness, tingling (“pins and needles”), or loss of movement in your fingers or hand.
- Colour changes: The hand or arm turns very pale, blue, or dark red.
- Temperature changes: The affected area feels significantly colder than the rest of your skin.
Take this leaflet with you if you need to see a doctor so they know exactly what was injected
| Patient Name | |
| Date of Birth | |
| Hospital/NHS Number |
| Contrast Agent | Volume (ml) | Extravasation Site | Date | Time |
Contact numbers
We hope that you have found this information useful. If you have any questions or are worried about anything, please speak to the following Dorset County Hospital Staff:
CT Department: 01305 253147
MRI Department: 01305 255881
About this leaflet
Author(s): Bethan Watson, Lead CT Radiographer
Written: May 2026
Approved: July 2026
Review date: May 2029
Edition: V1
If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk
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