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Contrast Material

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.

Last Revised: May 16, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Howard Schaff, MD - Diagnostic Radiology

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