Contrast Agents - Video Lesson

Welcome back everybody to our series on fluoroscopic procedures. This video will discuss the contrast agents used in fluoroscopy procedures. First, let's discuss the differences between positive and negative contrast agents. Positive contrast agents are comprised of high atomic number elements, which causes them to appear white or radio peak on a radiograph. They include barium agents and iodinated contrast media. Negative contrast agents are comprised of low atomic number elements. They appear black or radio lucent on a radiograph, and they include air, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide. One example of a of contrast agent is barium sulfate. It comes in a powdered or liquid form and is water insoluble, meaning it is dissolved in water, and it is not absorbed by the body. It carries a risk of mild to life threatening allergic reaction, although true allergic reaction to barium is exceedingly rare.