Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesHow It’s GivenSafetyHow to PrepareSide Effects
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
How It’s Given
Safety
How to Prepare
Side Effects
Contrast dye, also known as a contrast agent, is a solution that is used to accentuate specific structures when looking at a body image. Radiocontrast agents are substances that are used in studies such as X-rays,fluoroscopy, andcomputed tomography (CT)scans.MRIsuse other agents that help to accentuate the magnetic properties of a part of the body.
Contrast materials are generally considered safe and effective when administered correctly.
This article discusses the different types of contrast materials used in imaging, when they’re used, and their overall safety.
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Types of Contrast Dyes and Agents
There are different types of contrast materials, including:
X-Ray and CT Radiographic Agents
Inorthopedics, the most common use of radiographic agents is to inject the agent into a joint, or space within the body.Often the space is identified with the radiographic agent to confirm a needle is in the proper position before a medication is injected.
MRI Test
The most commonly usedMRI contrast agentis the element gadolinium. As with radiographic agents, gadolinium can be injected into the blood vessels or injected into a joint. Gadolinium-enhanced MRI scans can be very helpful in showing subtle findings such aslabral tears in the shoulderandhip cartilage damage.Without the contrast agent added, these more subtle findings may not be seen.
Ultrasound Imaging Exams
Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to generate images of inside the body. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) involves the use of microbubbles to enhance the imaging.This contrast material is made up of saline and gas (such as air).
This type of imaging is commonly used to visualize blood vessels and organs.
How Contrast Dye Is Administered
Contrast dye or contrast agents can be:
How Safe Are Contrast Dyes?
Contrast materials are generally considered safe, however, in rare cases they may trigger an allergic reaction or cause other medical problems.
Pregnant or BreastfeedingIf you’re pregnant or think you may be pregnant, talk with your healthcare professional before undergoing any imaging study that uses contrast materials. While iodine-based contrast agents are generally considered safe, others like gadolinium contrast materials are usually avoided due to the unknown risks.If you’re breastfeeding, the manufacturers of the above intravenous contrast materials recommend that you not breast feed for 24 to 48 hours after receiving the contrast agent.
Pregnant or Breastfeeding
If you’re pregnant or think you may be pregnant, talk with your healthcare professional before undergoing any imaging study that uses contrast materials. While iodine-based contrast agents are generally considered safe, others like gadolinium contrast materials are usually avoided due to the unknown risks.If you’re breastfeeding, the manufacturers of the above intravenous contrast materials recommend that you not breast feed for 24 to 48 hours after receiving the contrast agent.
If you’re pregnant or think you may be pregnant, talk with your healthcare professional before undergoing any imaging study that uses contrast materials. While iodine-based contrast agents are generally considered safe, others like gadolinium contrast materials are usually avoided due to the unknown risks.
If you’re breastfeeding, the manufacturers of the above intravenous contrast materials recommend that you not breast feed for 24 to 48 hours after receiving the contrast agent.
Preparing for an Imaging Test with Contrast Dye
You should carefully follow the instructions provided to you prior your imaging test. Also, it’s important to let your healthcare provider know if you have:
If you have an allergy, they may give you a medication before the test to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
Side Effects of Contrast Dye
Side affects to barium-sulfate compounds may include:
Side effects of iodine-based contrast materials include:
Signs of an Allergic Reaction or ComplicationsAlthough uncommon, signs and symptoms of allergic reaction to contrast materials may include:HivesDifficulty breathingWheezingFacial swelling
Signs of an Allergic Reaction or Complications
Although uncommon, signs and symptoms of allergic reaction to contrast materials may include:HivesDifficulty breathingWheezingFacial swelling
Although uncommon, signs and symptoms of allergic reaction to contrast materials may include:
Summary
Contrast materials are substances that are used to enhance imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, MRI tests, and ultrasound. Contrast materials include iodine-based and barium-sulfate compounds, gadolinium, and microbubbles (saline and gas).
These agents are generally considered safe when used properly. Although rare, adverse reactions can occur. Before undergoing any imaging test with contrast, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about your medical history and any potential risks.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.RadiologyInfo.org.Contrast materials.MedlinePlus.X-Rays.MedlinePlus.CT scans.Direct Arthrography. Radiological Society of North America, Inc.July 2019.Zilkens C, Miese F, Jäger M, Bittersohl B, Krauspe R.Magnetic resonance imaging of hip joint cartilage and labrum.Orthop Rev (Pavia). 2011;3(2):e9. doi:10.4081/or.2011.e9Ajmal S.Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography: review and applications.Cureus. Published online September 24, 2021. doi:10.7759/cureus.18243
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.RadiologyInfo.org.Contrast materials.MedlinePlus.X-Rays.MedlinePlus.CT scans.Direct Arthrography. Radiological Society of North America, Inc.July 2019.Zilkens C, Miese F, Jäger M, Bittersohl B, Krauspe R.Magnetic resonance imaging of hip joint cartilage and labrum.Orthop Rev (Pavia). 2011;3(2):e9. doi:10.4081/or.2011.e9Ajmal S.Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography: review and applications.Cureus. Published online September 24, 2021. doi:10.7759/cureus.18243
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
RadiologyInfo.org.Contrast materials.MedlinePlus.X-Rays.MedlinePlus.CT scans.Direct Arthrography. Radiological Society of North America, Inc.July 2019.Zilkens C, Miese F, Jäger M, Bittersohl B, Krauspe R.Magnetic resonance imaging of hip joint cartilage and labrum.Orthop Rev (Pavia). 2011;3(2):e9. doi:10.4081/or.2011.e9Ajmal S.Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography: review and applications.Cureus. Published online September 24, 2021. doi:10.7759/cureus.18243
RadiologyInfo.org.Contrast materials.
MedlinePlus.X-Rays.
MedlinePlus.CT scans.
Direct Arthrography. Radiological Society of North America, Inc.July 2019.
Zilkens C, Miese F, Jäger M, Bittersohl B, Krauspe R.Magnetic resonance imaging of hip joint cartilage and labrum.Orthop Rev (Pavia). 2011;3(2):e9. doi:10.4081/or.2011.e9
Ajmal S.Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography: review and applications.Cureus. Published online September 24, 2021. doi:10.7759/cureus.18243
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