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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.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Howard Schaff, MD - Diagnostic Radiology
Last Revised June 12, 2009

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: June 12, 2009
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