What are the requirements of contrast
Suitable viscosity
Cost effective
Stable and not break down into toxic ions
Non toxic
Rapid elimination
Easy to administer
Why is barium used
Non toxic
Naturally occurring
Relatively cheap
Inert
What is flocculation
When small particles clump together
Possible hazards of barium
Leakage into pleural or peritoneal spaces
Leakage into mediastinum
Pulmonary aspiration
Distal bowel obstruction
What is osmolarity
Measurement of number of molecules and particles in a solution per kilogram of water