title: Barium sulfate products for roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract.
abstract: Characteristics of barium sulfate contrast agents used in roentgenographic studies are described. Barium sulfate can be used as a single contrast agent in the gastrointestinal tract; it can also be used for positive contrast in studies that use air for negative contrast (double-contrast examinations). Barium sulfate can be used to opacify the GI tract in preparation for computerized tomography of the abdomen. Barium sulfate products are available in powder form or as viscous suspensions. Product formulas and barium sulfate concentrations are varied to produce adequate coating and visualization of the portion of the GI tract to be examined, and the dosage is determined by the specific procedure. Double-contrast studies delineate fine details of the GI mucosa; preparations used in these studies contain smaller barium particles than those used in single-contrast studies. Agents that produce carbon dioxide are usually administered for double-contrast studies; the gas distends the stomach or intestine so the barium can cover the entire surface. Formulations of barium sulfate products vary so that a product appropriate for the specific procedure can be selected. These products also vary in cost, ease of reconstitution, and, for oral preparations, acceptability to patients.
mesh_terms: D001466:Barium Sulfate; D004064:Digestive System / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D011208:Powders; D011859:Radiography; D012996:Solutions
chemical_list: D011208:Powders; D012996:Solutions; D001466:Barium Sulfate