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Contrast material

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By Jeannette Curtis; Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS

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Contrast material, or contrast dye, is a substance used to make specific organs, blood vessels, or types of tissue (such as tumors) more visible on X-rays. Contrast material may also be used during a CT scan, an ultrasound, or an MRI scan.

Common contrast material substances include iodine, barium, and gadolinium.

Author:Jeannette Curtis
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Medical Review:
Last Updated: 05/25/2007