Contrast Studies Flashcards
What are the three most commonly performed contrast studies?
GI, urogenital, spinal cord
What are the factors that determine the type of contrast agent used?
test being performed, level of comfort of the clinician, availability
What are the four types of contrast agents commonly used?
- Soluble ionic radiopaque mediums
- Soluble nonionic radiopaque mediums
- Insoluble inert radiopaque mediums
- Radiolucent gases
What are examples of soluble ionic radiopaque mediums?
Iothalamate, diatrizoate
What are examples of soluble nonionic radiopaque mediums?
Iohexol, iopamidol
What is an example of insoluble inert radiopaque mediums?
barium sulfate
What are examples of radiolucent gases?
air, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide
Soluble ionic mediums are _________
negatively charged benzoic acid derivatives
What are soluble ionic mediums used for?
oral administration for GI studies, IV for excretory urography, intraarticular studies, draining wound studies, fistulography
What type of patients shouldn’t receive soluble ionic mediums?
dehydrated patients
patients that are sensitive to iodine
***contrast is hyperosmolar salts (causes an increase in intravascular fluid volume when given IV)
What is the side effect of giving soluble ionic mediums orally?
diarrhea
direct contact w/ neural tissue can lead to muscle spasms, seizures, cerebral edema, hypotension, coma, death
Soluble ionic mediums are _____ contrast agents
positive
What studies can be performed using nonionic radiopaque agents?
spinal cord or respiratory tract, myelography
What are examples of soluble nonionic mediums?
iohexol, iopamidol
What is a benefit associated with nonionic mediums?
lower incidence of adverse effects & a lower osmolality
Nonionic agents are ______ contrast agent
Positive
What does BIPS stand for?
Barium impregnated polyethylene spheres
Barium is a more ________ solution than the surrounding tissue
dense
Due to barium suspension being more dense than the surrounding tissue, what does it result to?
Greater absorption of xrays & produces a whiter image on the finished radiograph
What are the benefits of barium suspension?
increase radiographic opacity –> allows the clinician to easily evaluate the surrounding structures