Contrast dye is used in CT scans, MRI, and X-rays to make injuries or diseases visible. It can be given intravenously, orally, or rectally, and patients should be aware of potential complications and follow instructions on eating and drinking before the test.
Contrast dye is a pharmaceutical liquid used in computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and X-rays. It is needed to make any injury or disease visible to doctors ordering the test. There are three ways the dye is delivered to a person’s body: intravenously, orally, or rectally.
A patient receiving intravenous contrast medium will introduce it through a needle, directly into the bloodstream. The contrast agent is clear and stored in a sterile vial. The amount of dye given is based on how much the patient weighs, how tall he is, and how old he is.
Another method of receiving contrast medium is by mouth. Patients will be given barium sulphate or Gastrografin® to drink. Barium sulfate is a thick, chalky substance that doesn’t have a very pleasant taste. Gastrografin® is more of a yellow color, because it contains iodine and reportedly doesn’t taste very pleasant either. Patients should be prepared to drink a significant amount of this dye to reveal any problems in the gastrointestinal system, pelvis, or abdomen.
The contrast medium can also be administered rectally. Barium sulfate and Gastrografin® are again used to bring any problems to light. The rectal contrast agent is given through a tube into the rectum, similar to how an enema is given. The fluid is drained after the CT scan or X-ray is done. A patient may need to go to the bathroom a few times after the test is finished to get rid of the dye completely.
It is important that patients are instructed on whether or not to eat or drink the day before a test that requires the use of a contrast agent. Some testing facilities may allow you to eat or drink until midnight. Others may allow you to continue drinking clear liquids up to two hours before the test.
Patients receiving intravenous contrast media should be aware of potential complications. The dye can exacerbate kidney problems, so any dialysis patient with kidney disease should not use the dye. In most cases, the only side effect of oral contrast medium is constipation. Patients should be asked to sign a form stating that they understand the potential dangers associated with consuming this material.
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