contrast X-ray
In a traditional X-ray, certain areas of the body that will not show up well. However, there are certain medical concerns and conditions that require a type of X-ray that reveals more than just a shadow of certain organs and tissues. When a physician needs to see a specific portion of your body--such as a specific organ, tissues or blood vessels--she will administer a contrast medium to produce a contrast X-ray.
Identification
A contrast X-ray involves a substance more commonly referred to as a contrast medium or an X-ray dye. The substance is used to make fluid-like structures or hollow areas of the body visible on your X-ray. For example, traditional X-rays do not provide an accurate illustration of certain areas, such as the digestive tract, the urinary system and blood vessels. If the contrast dye is not used during an X-ray, these areas are not discernible. X-ray light cannot pass through the contrast dye during the X-ray; the area of concentration will appear white.
Considerations
Depending on the type of X-ray being taken, contrast mediums are administered intravenously, orally or rectally. For example, if the contrast is being used to get an accurate X-ray of your digestive system, you will have the contrast administered orally or rectally. For blood tissues and other organs, you will probably have the contrast administered intravenously. The liquid in the contrast medium absorbs X-ray light to bring the part of the body that needs the medical attention into focus. The most common contrast medium used for an X-ray is barium sulfate.
Intravenous Dye
The intravenous dye is more commonly called radiocontrast media, or RCM. This particular contrast medium is used often with CT scans, or CAT scans, to enhance the visual qualities of the X-ray. Even though the use of RCM improves your X-rays, there is a risk of having an allergic reaction to the substance. If you have a history of allergies, you should inform your physician before being administered this kind of contrast dye.
Oral Dyes
Oral contrast dyes are fairly common when X-rays are taken of your digestive tract, abdomen and pelvis. Depending on the type of X-ray, you might have to drink one or two cups of the liquid substance. The oral contrast consists mostly of barium sulfate and water; the consistency is similar to that of a milkshake. In some cases, patients complain of constipation after using the oral dye.
Rectal Contrast Dye
Rectal contrast dye is used to improve the X-rays of large organs, such as the intestines. In comparison to oral contrast dye, barium sulfate is also used for rectal contrast dye, but the concentration is different. Rectal contrast is administered using an enema. Some patients complain of constipation after using rectal dye.
Tags: contrast medium, barium sulfate, contrast administered, contrast X-ray, type X-ray, administered intravenously
