You are Logged in Jason LOG OUT    Pharmacology of Iodinated Contrast Media 1 C.E. credit Module Content Objectives Introduction Iodination Properties Classification Self Assessment Final Assessment

Objectives After studying the information presented, the reader should be able to: Explain how photon absorption determines the image of a radiograph and offer 4 factors that influence the degree of photon absorption. Lesson 1 Describe the routes by which contrast media are administered and distinguish the influence of positive and negative contrast media on radiographic and fluoroscopic images. Lesson 1 Explain why iodine is used in contrast media and describe the molecular construction of tri-iodinated benzene salts. Lesson 2 Name and define the four major properties of contrast media, and explain why warming contrast media makes it easier to inject. Lesson 3 Explain the concept of osmolality and how it is calculated. Explain why nonionic media are associated with a lower incidence of adverse reactions. Lesson 3 Explain the classification of iodinated contrast media in terms their primary characteristics and how these are used to compute their iodine:particle ratio. Lesson 4 BACK TO TOP Overview of Iodinated Contrast Media Contrast media alter the density of tissues, making them more visible during radiological imaging. They are administered by many different routes. Ingestion or antegrade refers to administration through the mouth. This is accomplished most often by the patient swallowing the material, but it also can be administered through a nasogastric tube. Enteroclysis can be used to image the small bowel. In this case, contrast media is introduced through a catheter advanced into the duodenum or jejunum. Media introduced through the rectum or urethra is described as retrograde administration. Intravascular administration can be either intravenous or intraarterial, and if introduced into the spinal canal, the route of administration is intrathecal. Positive contrast media increase the density of targeted tissues, and include barium sulfate and iodinated compounds. The density of a material is directly related to its weight, expressed as atomic weight for elements and molecular weight for compounds. Gases, such as air, oxygen, carbon dioxide and helium, have relatively low weights. This accounts for their low density and provides the basis for their classification as negative contrast media. When both classes of media are used in an examination the procedure is described as a double contrast study. BACK TO TOP

| Home | CE Modules | FAQ | Learning Support | Technical Support | | Resources | Send to Colleague | Contact Us | Designed by Hydrogen Media, Inc. © 2000   All rights reserved. Terms of Use Disclaimer.