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Barium Sulfate as a Radiocontrast Agent

Barium Sulfate as a Radiocontrast Agent. Curriculum Outcome 4: Know the use of BaCl2 solution to test for sulfates and the use of BaSO4 in medicine. Using correct terms…. Don’t use the term X-ray to describe the picture or the process if you want to appear intelligent.

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Barium Sulfate as a Radiocontrast Agent

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  1. Barium Sulfate as a Radiocontrast Agent Curriculum Outcome 4: Know the use of BaCl2 solution to test for sulfates and the use of BaSO4 in medicine

  2. Using correct terms… • Don’t use the term X-ray to describe the picture or the process if you want to appear intelligent. • X-ray refers to the radiation. • Radiograph refers to the picture. • The process is known as radiography

  3. Radio-Opacity • Different substances have different tendencies to absorb radiation. • Those that absorb radiation strongly are known as radio-opaque. • The bones of the body are radio-opaque. • Metals are also radio-opaque.

  4. Radio-Transparency • Soft tissues are radio-transparent. • The radiograph below shows an abnormal lung. The radiograph above shows intestines – but they are difficult to see.

  5. The Use of BaSO4 • Barium is a heavy metal and is radio-opaque. • A clearer radiograph of the gastrointestinal tract can be created by asking the patient to drink a solution of barium sulfate.

  6. Radiocontrast Agents • Radiocontrast agents are used to improve the visibility of radio-translucent body structures in x-ray based imaging. • Barium sulfate is one example of a radiocontrast agent. • Many other substances, even air, can be used.

  7. How do they get the barium in your body? • A patient can drink a barium meal. A chalky drink usually with some flavouring to make it easier to drink. • You might be given a barium enema (YUK!)

  8. But Barium is Poisonous! • Water soluble barium compounds are poisonous. • Poisoning results in problems to the nervous system causing heart arrhythmia, muscle weakness and paralysis. • The good news is that barium sulfate is so insoluble, that it cannot enter the body.

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