Using Contrast Media in CT Scan Paper
Often imaging based on X-ray examination cannot provide the adequate and accurate image of organs and blood vessels within soft tissues. In such a situation, radiologists may use the alternative medium to scan soft tissues, which is contrast media (). Contrast media help to improve the quality of image due to the use of an opaque substance. Contrast media are used to improve the quality of image made in the course of examination.Using Contrast Media in CT Scan Paper
Types of CM used
Radiologists may use different types of dyes or agents to obtain more visible images of soft tissues and organs that cannot be clearly seen. These agents/dyes include the following: Iodine, Barium, Barium Sulfate, and Gastrografin. CM agents do not have any negative or harmful effect on patients’ health. This is why they are widely used in the contemporary radiology.
Methods of Administering CM
In actuality, radiologists may use a variety of methods available to them based on CM, which help them to obtain accurate images of soft tissues and invisible organs.
First, they may use intravenous CT scan contrast. This method involves the intravenous injection of the contrast media to examine the target organ, such as kidney, spine, liver, or brain. As a rule, radiologists use iodine substance as the contrast medium for intravenous CT scan contrast.Using Contrast Media in CT Scan Paper
Second, radiologists may use oral CT scan contrast. Radiologists use this method, when they are looking for the accurate examination of abdominal area or pelvic region. Oral CT scan contrast involves oral taking of the contrast medium. As a rule, radiologists use barium sulfate or gastrografin. Barium sulfate is considered to be the best contrast medium to be used in oral CT scan contrast. Gastrografin may also be used, but, as a rule, it is used instead of Barium, when the latter cannot be applied because of any reason.
Third, radiologists may use rectal CT scan contrast. As a rule, this method is applied for the examination of the large intestine or lower part of gastrointestinal organs. The contrast medium used in case of rectal CT scan contrast is either Gastrografin or Barium Sulfate.
CT scans with contrast agents
The main reason for using CT scans was the improvement of the quality of imaging to obtain more accurate information about the current condition of the patient. In this regard, contrast agents were essential for the enhancement of visibility of CT scan. CT scans with contrast agents allow health care professional to obtain more visible images and make more accurate diagnosis as well as make other decisions concerning the treatment of patients. Radiologists may use either intravenous, or oral, or rectal CT scans. If necessary, radiologists instruct patients concerning the application of CT scans to obtain more visible images. Contrast media are safe and decrease the impact of X-ray on patients’ health. After the intake of CM, they move to the target organ or organs, and are later absorbed by them, while radiologists take images. During the scan radiation beams go through organs that minimizes their negative impact on organs and patients’ health at large. Organs with contrast media become white on images made in the course of CT scan. Eventually contrast media are either absorbed by the body are excreted via urine or digestive system.Using Contrast Media in CT Scan Paper
Patient preparation for CT scan test with CM
Patients need careful preparation before CT scan test with CM
First, they should not take food for four to six hours before the scan. Second, they need to take a lot of water, if they have myelodysplastic syndrome or myeloma multiple. Third, they should stop any medication, if they suffer from diabetes. Fourth, they should have empty intestines. Fifth, in case of using iodine as contrast agent, patients should pass estimated rate of glomerular filtration (eGFR) and serum creatinene (SCr) tests to prevent the risk of the development of CIN condition.
Side effects
The use of CM may have some side effects, which vary from mild to severe reactions. Mild reactions include nausea and vomiting; headache; itching; flushing; mild skin rash or hives. Moderate reactions include severe skin rash or hives; wheezing; when heart rhythms are not normal; blood pressure is either high or low; and shortness of breath or difficulty of breathing in patients with asthma. Finally, severe reactions include breathing difficulty; cardiac arrest; swelling of the throat or other parts of the body; convulsions; profound low blood pressure; anaphylactic shock.Using Contrast Media in CT Scan Paper
At-risk patients
Patients that have the high risk of developing negative side effects after using contrast media are patients with prior negative reaction to contrast media substances; patients with asthma; patients with allergy; patients suffering from such health problems as diabetes, heart disease, thyroid, sickle cell anaemia, polycythemia and myeloma, renal disease; patients suffering from dehydration; the use of some medication, such as aspirin, beta blockers; excessive administration of CM within 24 hours. Doctors may recommend medication to such patients before CT scans with the use of CM.
Patient care after/post care
Radiologists are responsible for providing patients with detailed information about CM and recommendations on their further care. Radiologists should recommend patients taking enough water to avoid dehydration. They should also explain patients that CM is either absorbed or excreted from the body via urine within four hours after the CT scan.Using Contrast Media in CT Scan Paper